Subaltern

Pronunciation: /ˈsuˈbæɫˈtɝnz/

Subaltern (noun)

  1. a low-ranking officer in the army, usually below a captain.
  2. a person or group with less power or status in society.

Examples

  • The subaltern reported to the captain every morning.
  • As a subaltern, she learned the importance of discipline.

Common collocations: subaltern officer, promote a subaltern, subaltern studies, subaltern voices, empower subaltern groups

Synonyms of Subaltern

Formal

Neutral

Antonyms of Subaltern

  • Used when discussing rank or hierarchy.