Definition

1. Noun:
   • A commissioned officer rank: In the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard, a commissioned officer ranking below a lieutenant commander and above a lieutenant junior grade.
   • A deputy or substitute: An assistant or second-in-command who has the authority to act on behalf of a superior in their absence.
   • A police officer rank: A rank in a police force, typically above sergeant and below captain.
   • A commissioned officer in an army: A rank in many armies, typically above a second lieutenant and below a captain.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She was promoted to lieutenant in the Navy after years of service.
  • The manager's lieutenant handled all operations during the emergency.
  • Lieutenant Davis is leading the investigation into the robbery.
  • The young lieutenant commanded the platoon with confidence.

Advanced Usage

• "to act as lieutenant to someone": To serve as a chief deputy or assistant to a person in authority.

  • For this project, she will act as lieutenant to the department head.

• "second lieutenant": The most junior commissioned officer rank in many armies.

  • He graduated from the academy as a second lieutenant.

Variants and Related Words

• Lieutenancy (n): The office, rank, or authority of a lieutenant.

  • He assumed the lieutenancy after his predecessor retired.

• Lieutenant colonel (n): A senior military rank, above major and below colonel.

• Lieutenant general (n): A high-ranking army officer, above major general and below general.
• Lieutenant governor (n): An elected official ranking below and deputizing for a state governor.

Synonyms

• Deputy: A person appointed as a substitute with power to act.
• Subordinate: A person lower in rank or position.
• Aide: An assistant to an important person.
• Officer: A person holding a position of authority, especially in the armed services.

Related Phrases

• First lieutenant: A rank in the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps above second lieutenant and below captain.
• Flight lieutenant: A rank in the British Royal Air Force and other air forces.

Related Idioms

• "A faithful lieutenant": A loyal and trusted deputy.
  • Throughout his career, he served as the CEO's faithful lieutenant.

Noun

1. an officer holding a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard; below lieutenant commander and above lieutenant junior grade
2. an assistant with power to act when his superior is absent
3. an officer in a police force
4. a commissioned military officer