Lieutenant: meaning, definitions and examples
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lieutenant
[lɛfˈtɛnənt ]
Definitions
military rank
A lieutenant is a rank in the armed forces, typically above a sergeant and below a captain. Lieutenants are usually responsible for leading a platoon of soldiers.
Synonyms
officer, second-in-command, subaltern.
Examples of usage
- The lieutenant led his troops into battle.
- She was promoted to lieutenant after years of dedicated service.
- Lieutenants often receive special training in leadership and tactics.
naval rank
In the navy, a lieutenant is a commissioned officer rank above an ensign and below a lieutenant commander. Lieutenants in the navy may be in charge of a small vessel or a division of sailors.
Synonyms
lieutenant at sea, lieutenant junior grade, naval officer.
Examples of usage
- The lieutenant oversaw the navigation of the ship.
- She was the first female lieutenant in her naval unit.
- Lieutenants play a crucial role in maintaining discipline aboard a naval vessel.
police rank
In law enforcement, a lieutenant is a senior officer rank above a sergeant and below a captain. Lieutenants in the police force often supervise a team of officers and are involved in strategic decision-making.
Synonyms
detective, police officer, senior officer.
Examples of usage
- The lieutenant coordinated the investigation of the crime scene.
- He was promoted to lieutenant after years of exemplary service.
- Lieutenants play a key role in ensuring public safety and order.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old French 'lieutenant,' meaning 'to hold instead,' showing its role as a deputy.
- The 'lieu' in 'lieutenant' refers to a position or place, highlighting the officer's role in taking the place of a superior.
Historical Context
- The rank of lieutenant has existed since the Middle Ages, evolving from a role of localized military leadership.
- In many armies, a lieutenant is typically the first rank of commissioned officers, often leading small units of soldiers.
Global Variations
- Different countries use the title 'lieutenant' in various ways, such as 'sub-lieutenant' or 'first lieutenant,' reflecting hierarchy.
- In British and Commonwealth forces, a lieutenant wears a one-star insignia, while in the U.S., it can be one or two gold bars, indicating rank differences.
Pop Culture
- Lieutenants appear prominently in movies and shows about the military, often depicted as pivotal characters in strategic decisions.
- Popular video games often include lieutenants as characters who assist players on missions, similar to their real-world roles.
Psychology
- The responsibility of a lieutenant often involves leadership traits like decisiveness and strong communication skills.
- Studies show that individuals in military leadership positions, like lieutenants, often experience unique stressors related to decision-making in high-stakes environments.
Translations
Translations of the word "lieutenant" in other languages:
🇵🇹 tenente
🇮🇳 लेफ्टिनेंट
🇩🇪 Leutnant
🇮🇩 letnan
🇺🇦 лейтенант
🇵🇱 porucznik
🇯🇵 中尉 (ちゅうい)
🇫🇷 lieutenant
🇪🇸 teniente
🇹🇷 teğmen
🇰🇷 중위 (jungwi)
🇸🇦 ملازم (mulazim)
🇨🇿 poručík
🇸🇰 poručík
🇨🇳 中尉 (zhōng wèi)
🇸🇮 poročnik
🇮🇸 liðsforingi
🇰🇿 лейтенант
🇬🇪 ლეიტენანტი (leitenant’i)
🇦🇿 leytenant
🇲🇽 teniente