lieutenant
Definitions
A junior commissioned officer in the army, navy, or police
中尉，上尉（军衔）；警督
A chief assistant or deputy who acts in place of a superior
副手，代理人
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom French lieu ('place') + tenant ('holding') = 'one holding a place' — a place-holder. A lieutenant originally stood in the place of a higher officer when that officer was absent, holding the post on his behalf. That's why even today a lieutenant is both a rank and, more loosely, anyone's trusted deputy or 'right-hand man.'
Usage Guide
- Pronunciation split: AmE says /luːˈtɛnənt/ (loo-), BrE says /lɛfˈtɛnənt/ (lef-) — a classic transatlantic trap.
- Rank (military/police): the literal officer title.
- Figurative (neutral): 'a trusted lieutenant' = a key deputy, used in business and politics.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The lieutenant ordered the squad to take cover.
- 2.
She became the mayor's most trusted lieutenant.
- 3.
British speakers pronounce it 'leftenant.'