Children's, Intermediate and Advanced Online English Dictionary & Thesaurus

Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
Advanced Dictionary    
Display options
Show syllables
Show Lookup History
Double-Click Lookup
  Show Spanish support
 
Pronunciation
Wordsmyth
  Phonics
  IPA
 
Entry formats
Standard
  Classic
   

sub·al·tern

subaltern

pronunciation:
suhb awl trn [or] suhb awl trn
parts of speech:
adjective, noun
part of speech: adjective
definition: of a lower rank or position; subordinate or secondary.
similar words:
secondary, subordinate
 
part of speech: noun
definition: one who is in a subordinate position, esp. a British military officer below the rank of captain.