lieutenant

/lefˈtenənt/ (bre, ipa) · /luːˈtenənt/ (ame, ipa) · /lü-ˈte-nənt British le(f)-/ (ame, mw)

lieutenant — noun

  • lieutenantsingular
  • lieutenantsplural

1. A person who holds a middle-level position in the military's officer hierarchy.

1.名詞B1
釋義

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.

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

❌The lieutenant saluted the general and said, "Yes, sir, I am lieutenant.
✅The lieutenant saluted the general and said, "Yes, sir.
💡Do not use 'lieutenant' as a self-identifying title in direct address; use it before a surname ('Lieutenant Mauricio') or alone as a form of address ('Good morning, Lieutenant.').

2. A police officer or firefighter whose rank comes one step below captain. A lieut

2.名詞B1
釋義

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.

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

❌The fire lieutenant drove the fire truck to the station.
✅Lieutenant Adisa arrived at the scene and coordinated the firefighters.
💡'Lieutenant' in fire departments implies supervisory responsibility, not just any firefighter role.

3. A person chosen by someone of higher rank to act on their behalf or help manage

3.名詞B2
釋義

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.

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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').

常見錯誤

❌The manager's lieutenant is a type of soldier.
✅The manager's lieutenant handles day-to-day operations.
💡The word 'lieutenant' can refer to any trusted deputy, not just military personnel.