Subaltern

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈsÊŒbÉ™ltÉšn/

Origin

From Late Latin subalternus, from Latin sub- + alternus, from alter.

Full definition of subaltern

Adjective

1. Of a lower rank or position; inferior or secondary; especially (military) ranking as a junior officer, below the rank of captain.a subaltern officer
2. (logic) Asserting only a part of what is asserted in a related proposition.

Noun

1. a subordinate
2. (British) a commissioned officer having a rank below that of captain; a lieutenant or second lieutenant
3. (logic) A subaltern proposition; a proposition implied by a universal proposition. For example, some crows are black is a subaltern of all crows are black.