Langimage
English

lieutenant

|lieu-ten-ant|

B2

🇺🇸

/luːˈtɛnənt/

🇬🇧

/lɛfˈtɛnənt/

military officer rank

Etymology
Etymology Information

'lieutenant' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'lieutenant', where 'lieu' meant 'place' and 'tenant' meant 'holding'.

Historical Evolution

'lieutenant' changed from the Old French word 'lieutenant' and eventually became the modern English word 'lieutenant'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'one who holds a place', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a military officer rank'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a commissioned officer in the army, navy, or air force ranking below a captain.

The lieutenant led his troops into battle.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/07/07 01:59