sub-lieutenant
|sub-lieu-ten-ant|
B2
🇺🇸
/sʌb luːˈtɛnənt/
🇬🇧
/sʌb lɛfˈtɛnənt/
junior naval officer
Etymology
Etymology Information
'sub-lieutenant' originates from the combination of 'sub-' meaning 'below' and 'lieutenant,' a rank in the military.
Historical Evolution
'sub-lieutenant' was derived from the French term 'sous-lieutenant,' which was adopted into English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'an officer below a lieutenant,' and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a commissioned officer in the British Royal Navy ranking below a lieutenant.
The sub-lieutenant was responsible for overseeing the ship's navigation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/26 12:38