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lieutenant

lieutenant

noun lyuh-tuh-NAHN Less Common
People & Society Military

Usage Note

Lieutenant is a military rank borrowed into English directly from French — it literally means 'place-holder' (from lieu 'place' + tenant 'holding'). In French the final -t is silent. It is used both in the military and, historically, in policing (lieutenant de police). The feminine form lieutenante is increasingly used as women serve in these roles.

Examples

"Le lieutenant a donné ses ordres."

Natural Translation

The lieutenant gave his orders.

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