noun
lieutenant
loo-TEN-unt/luːˈtenənt/
A subordinate officer trusted to act under a senior commander.
The lieutenant receives the captain's instructions to lead the unit.
Etymology
A lieutenant was literally a “place-holder,” someone acting in another's place. The military rank developed from the role of an officer who commanded a company in the captain's absence.
In context
That's war too, is a lieutenant saying, "Please make something happen because we're going crazy."
for rapid promotion, from lieutenant to general in just two years.
More examples
- The lieutenant reports directly to the captain.
- Two lieutenants brief the troops before the mission.
- The mayor sends her trusted lieutenant to negotiate.
Forms
lieutenant · lieutenants