Meaning of subaltern in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /səˈbɔltərn/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    subaltern

    Definitions

    1. inferior in rank or status

    Examples

    • « the junior faculty »
    • « a lowly corporal »
    • « petty officialdom »
    • « a subordinate functionary »

    Synonyms

  2. Noun

    subaltern

    Etymology

    late 16th century (as an adjective): from late Latin subalternus, from Latin sub-‘next below’ + alternus‘every other’

    Definitions

    1. a British commissioned army officer below the rank of captain

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