Word: Lieutenant

Pronunciation

/ˌlɛfˈtenənt/

Definitions

• Noun: A rank in many military organizations, typically above a sergeant and below a captain, denoting a commissioned officer in charge of leading a unit or platoon. Example: “The lieutenant commanded the squad during the mission.”
• Noun (Historical): In some historical contexts, it also refers to a person who holds a position of authority under a higher-ranking officer, governor, or nobleman, acting as their deputy or representative. Example: “The king appointed him as his lieutenant to govern the province on his behalf.”

Phrases

• “Second lieutenant”: The lowest commissioned officer rank in many armies.
• “First lieutenant”: A rank immediately above second lieutenant in most armies.
• “Lieutenant governor”: A position in various governments serving under or assisting a governor.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “After years of service, he was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant.”
• “The second lieutenant led the platoon through the training exercise.”
• “As lieutenant governor, she assumed the duties of the governor when the latter was out of state.”

Synonyms

• Officer
• Subordinate officer
• Deputy
• Assistant (in a non-military context)
• Representative (in a historical or non-military context)