lieutenant
lieutenant — noun
1. A person who holds a middle-level position in the military's officer hierarchy.
A person who holds a middle-level position in the military's officer hierarchy. In the army and air force, a lieutenant is one grade above a second lieutenant and one grade below a captain, and usually leads a platoon. The same title is used in the navy for the rank that falls between ensign and lieutenant commander.
Lieutenant Mauricio led his platoon on a training exercise near the border.
lieutenant + led a platoon — typical rank role
After four years at the academy, Min was promoted to lieutenant in charge of a patrol boat.
promoted to lieutenant — common collocation
Lieutenant Indra radioed headquarters to report the location of the supply trucks.
Lieutenant Kian reported to headquarters and received orders for a new assignment.
- officer
Broader term; any person holding a commissioned rank in the armed forces, not specifically the middle grade
- platoon leader
Describes the role rather than the rank — a lieutenant typically serves as a platoon leader, but other ranks can fill the same role
- subaltern
A British term for a commissioned officer below the rank of captain, used mainly in formal or historical contexts
用法筆記
Pronunciation varies: British English /lɛfˈtɛnənt/ (LEF-ten-ənt), American English /luːˈtɛnənt/ (loo-TEN-ənt). British speakers also use 'leftenant' for the naval rank, while the US Navy pronounces it the same as the army rank.
常見錯誤
2. A police officer or firefighter whose rank comes one step below captain. A lieut
A police officer or firefighter whose rank comes one step below captain. A lieutenant usually supervises other officers or firefighters at the scene of an incident and reports to the captain.
Lieutenant Adisa arrived at the burning building before the fire trucks and started directing traffic.
lieutenant + directing at scene — supervisory role
Lieutenant Walid questioned the witness while the other officers searched the apartment for evidence.
The police department promoted Sana to lieutenant after she had served ten years on patrol.
Lieutenant Ada reviewed the crime scene photos before meeting with the detective.
- inspector
Commonwealth equivalent rank in police forces; roughly the same level but different title
- deputy captain
Describes the rank relationship more than the official title
用法筆記
This sense is most common in US police and fire departments. In the UK and other Commonwealth countries, the equivalent rank in police forces is usually 'inspector' or 'chief inspector'.
常見錯誤
3. A person chosen by someone of higher rank to act on their behalf or help manage
A person chosen by someone of higher rank to act on their behalf or help manage their responsibilities. In business, politics, or organised groups, a lieutenant speaks for the leader and carries out important tasks.
The CEO sent her trusted lieutenant Christopher to negotiate the merger in London.
trusted lieutenant — common collocation for deputy role
As the boss's lieutenant, Henrik handled all payments to outside contractors.
The governor appointed Baraka as his lieutenant for trade talks with the neighbouring state.
Amira acted as the project director's lieutenant while the director was away at a conference.
- deputy
The most direct synonym; 'deputy' is more formal and neutral, while 'lieutenant' sometimes implies loyalty or a personal bond
- second-in-command
Emphasises the hierarchical position as the immediate subordinate
- assistant
A more general term that does not imply the authority to act in the leader's place
- right-hand man / right-hand person
Informal expression emphasising trust and close working relationship
用法筆記
The historical root meaning — 'one who holds the place of another' (from French lieu-tenant). This sense is used outside military contexts to describe any trusted deputy. It can carry a slightly informal or even conspiratorial tone (e.g. 'a crime boss and his lieutenants').