formal3K

UK//lɛfˈtɛnənt//US//luˈtɛnənt//

Meaning of Lieutenant

A military officer ranking just below a captain.

In simple words: A military officer ranking below a captain.

Lieutenant in a sentence

  • The lieutenant led his squad into battle.
  • She was promoted to lieutenant after years of service.
  • In the navy, a lieutenant is a crucial leadership role.
  • The lieutenant briefed the team on their mission.
  • Many officers aspire to become a lieutenant.

How to use Lieutenant

Used in military contexts. In some countries, it can also refer to police officers or other official roles, but it's primarily military.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'lieutenants leading troops' - they are the leaders on the ground.

Related words

Collocations with Lieutenant

  • lieutenant officer
  • lieutenant commander
  • lieutenant colonel

Synonyms for Lieutenant

Opposites of Lieutenant

Common mistakes with Lieutenant

  • Confused with 'lieutenant colonel', which is a higher rank.
  • Pronounced incorrectly as 'leftenant' in some regions, especially in British English.
  • Assumed to be only a military term, ignoring its use in other forces like police.

Compare Lieutenant with Officer, Captain, Sergeant

Lieutenant appears in

Lieutenant in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Lieutenant

What does Lieutenant mean?

A military officer ranking below a captain.

What is the definition of Lieutenant?

A military officer ranking just below a captain.

How do you use Lieutenant in a sentence?

The lieutenant led his squad into battle.

Can you give another example of Lieutenant?

She was promoted to lieutenant after years of service.

What are synonyms for Lieutenant?

Common alternatives include officer, captain, sergeant.

What is the opposite of Lieutenant?

Opposite meanings include recruit, private.

What words go with Lieutenant?

It commonly pairs with lieutenant officer, lieutenant commander, lieutenant colonel.

What are common mistakes when using Lieutenant?

Confused with 'lieutenant colonel', which is a higher rank. Pronounced incorrectly as 'leftenant' in some regions, especially in British English. Assumed to be only a military term, ignoring its use in other forces like police.

How do you pronounce Lieutenant?

US: //luˈtɛnənt//, UK: //lɛfˈtɛnənt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Lieutenant formal or informal?

"Lieutenant" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Lieutenant?

Used in military contexts. In some countries, it can also refer to police officers or other official roles, but it's primarily military.