Subaltern

Quick meaning: Subaltern is an adjective meaning Of a lower rank or position; inferior or secondary; especially (military) ranking as a junior officer, below the rank of captain.

Meaning

Of a lower rank or position; inferior or secondary; especially (military) ranking as a junior officer, below the rank of captain.

More Meanings

1. (logic) Asserting only a part of what is asserted in a related proposition.
2. A subordinate.
3. (British, military) A commissioned officer having a rank below that of captain; a lieutenant or second lieutenant.
4. (logic) A subaltern proposition; a proposition implied by a universal proposition.
5. (social sciences, literary theory) A member of a group that is socially, politically and geographically outside of the hegemonic power structure of the colony and of the colonial homeland.

Example Sentences

a subaltern officer

Celebrating the subversive practices of subaltern groups

As a subaltern of 24, Neave was captured in the defence of Calais in May 1940.

Two weeks after giving birth[…] she [Rachida Dati] was removed and offered no consolation prize other than the subaltern position of No 2 on the UMP's list for the next European elections.

Word Forms

• subalterns

Synonyms for subaltern

Depending on context, synonyms include subordinate, inferior, petty, lowly, lower, secondary.

Antonyms for subaltern

Common opposites include superaltern.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include subordinate, junior, secondary, lower, inferior, lowly.

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