lieutenant

Everyday

1. An officer in the army, navy or air force, of a junior to middle rank. tree →
2. A person who helps and acts for a leader; a deputy. tree →
3. (US) A police or fire officer of middle rank. tree →

In the lessons

In history and war stories, lieutenants lead small groups of soldiers; in the navy a lieutenant ranks above a sub-lieutenant. In crime stories, the boss's lieutenant is his chief helper. Phrases: second lieutenant, lieutenant colonel, Lieutenant Governor (Canada, US).

Examples

• The lieutenant led his soldiers across the river. tree →
• My great-grandad was a lieutenant in the navy. tree →
• The gang leader sent his lieutenant to do the dirty work. tree →
• Lieutenant Smith gave the order to march. tree →
• In the US, a police lieutenant is above a sergeant. tree →
• The captain's chief lieutenant took over the ship. tree →
• In Canada, each province has a Lieutenant Governor. tree →
• "No doubt, they belong to the lieutenant who lives up stairs. tree →

Note

Countable. Pronunciation differs: UK «lef-TEN-ant», US «loo-TEN-ant». Spelling trap: l-i-e-u-tenant. Short form: Lt. or Lieut. Comes from French «lieu tenant» = place-holder.