subaltern

English

Etymology

From Late Latin subalternus, from Latin sub- + alternus, from alter.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈsʌbəltɚn/

Adjective

subaltern (comparative more subaltern, superlative most subaltern)

1. Of a lower rank or position; inferior or secondary.

Noun

subaltern (plural subalterns)

1. a subordinate
2. (UK) a commissioned officer having a rank below that of captain; a lieutenant or second lieutenant
3. (logic) A subaltern proposition; a proposition implied by a universal proposition. For example, some crows are black is a subaltern of all crows are black.

Translations

Greek: υπολοχαγός (el) (ypolochagós) c. Manx: fo-oikagh (gv) m.

Spanish: subalterno (es) m.

See also

• lieutenant