lieutenant

[ləˈtɛnənt]
[l(j)uˈtɛnənt]
[ˈlɛftɛnənt]
[ləˈtɛnənt]
[ləˈtɛnənt]
[l(j)uˈtɛnənt]
German
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Spanish
lieutenants - lieutenant

A lieutenant is someone who helps lead or assist someone else who has more important responsibilities. They might work under a commander or manager.

In everyday life, the word "lieutenant" is often used in military contexts, but it's also used in some civilian jobs that have leadership roles. Think of a deputy mayor or a chief engineer on a big construction project - they're like lieutenants, helping to make important decisions and carrying out tasks under someone else's direction. You might see the title "lieutenant" in police departments as well, where it refers to an officer who works closely with a higher-ranking person, often doing some of the same work but also having specific duties that are a bit different.

How common is "lieutenant"?

Word lieutenant is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions

noun

  • The lowest Junior Commissioned Officer rank(s) in many military forces, often Army and Marines.

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LTLieutlieut

adjective

  • A military grade that is junior to the grade the adjective modifies: lieutenant colonel, lieutenant general, lieutenant commander.

Real examples of "lieutenants" in context

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