Leftenant vs. Lieutenant: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on March 9, 2024
Leftenant is an incorrect spelling. The correct spelling is lieutinent. A lieutenant is a military officer ranking below a captain.
Which is correct: Leftenant or Lieutenant
How to spell Lieutenant?
Leftenant is Incorrect
Lieutenant is Correct
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Key Differences
Think of "lieu" (place) and "tenant" (holder) to form "lieutenant."
"Lieutenant" starts with "lieu," like "in lieu of," hinting at substitution.
Remember the "lieu" in "lieutenant" as 'place' in French.
Associate "tenant" in "lieutenant" with someone who occupies a position.
The 'ie' in "lieutenant" follows the 'i' before 'e' rule.
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Correct usage of Lieutenant
She dreams of becoming a leftenant in the navy.
She dreams of becoming a lieutenant in the navy.
He was promoted to leftenant last year.
He was promoted to lieutenant last year.
The leftenant led his platoon with courage.
The lieutenant led his platoon with courage.
Lieutenant is a rank in the army.
A new leftenant was assigned to our unit.
A new lieutenant was assigned to our unit.
Lieutenant Definitions
In the navy, a rank above sub-lieutenant and below lieutenant commander.
The naval lieutenant was responsible for navigation.
A person who takes the place of a superior in their absence.
As his lieutenant, she managed the team while he was away.
An assistant with specific duties in various organizations.
She served as the lieutenant in the local police department.
A junior officer in the armed forces, below a captain.
The lieutenant led his platoon with great skill.
A deputy or substitute acting for a superior.
The mayor appointed a lieutenant to oversee the community project.
A commissioned rank in the US Navy or Coast Guard that is above lieutenant junior grade and below lieutenant commander.
A first lieutenant.
A second lieutenant.
One who holds any of these ranks or a similar rank in another military organization.
(lĕf-tĕnənt) A commissioned officer in the British and Canadian navies ranking just below a lieutenant commander.
An officer in a police or fire department ranking below a captain.
One who acts in place of or represents a superior; an assistant or deputy
The organized crime figure and his lieutenants.
(military) The lowest Junior Commissioned Officer rank(s) in many military forces, often Army and Marines.
In the US Army, Air Force and Marines, holding the rank above Second Lieutenant and below Captain. Both ranks may be referred to as "Lieutenant" or as the complete forms of the ranks.
A naval officer whose rank is above that of Ensign in the United States Navy and below that of a Lieutenant Commander. There are two ranks of lieutenant: Lieutenant Junior Grade and Lieutenant.
A Commissioned Officer in the United States Coast Guard, Public Health Service, or National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration whose rank is above that of Ensign and below Lieutenant Commander. There are two ranks of lieutenant: Lieutenant Junior Grade and lieutenant.
A Commissioned Officer in the British Army and Royal Marines, holding the rank above Second Lieutenant and below Captain. Both ranks may be referred to as "Lieutenant," however "Second Lieutenant" is to specify that the officer is not yet a full Lieutenant.
A naval officer whose rank is above that of Sub-Lieutenant in the British Navy and below that of a Lieutenant Commander.
A naval Commissioned Officer who holds the rank above Sub-Lieutenant and below Lieutenant Commander.
A person who manages or executes the plans and directives of another, more senior person - i.e. a manager to his director.
The second-in-command (2IC) of a group.
A military grade that is junior to the grade the adjective modifies: lieutenant colonel, lieutenant general, lieutenant commander.
An officer who supplies the place of a superior in his absence; a representative of, or substitute for, another in the performance of any duty.
The lawful magistrate, who is the vicegerent or lieutenant of God.
A commissioned officer in the army, next below a captain.
A commissioned military officer
An officer in a police force
An assistant with power to act when his superior is absent
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
Lieutenant Sentences
In the movie, the brave lieutenant saved his soldiers.
She became a lieutenant after five years of service.
The lieutenant was responsible for navigation aboard the ship.
Every lieutenant in the battalion was called for a meeting.
The young lieutenant was eager to prove himself.
The lieutenant inspected the troops early in the morning.
His father was a lieutenant in the Air Force.
A newly commissioned lieutenant is eager to learn from experienced soldiers.
The lieutenant gave the orders for the day.
Becoming a lieutenant requires passing a series of tests.
The promotion from second lieutenant to first lieutenant is a significant step.
The role of a lieutenant varies significantly across different military branches.
A lieutenant must be adept at both leadership and strategy.
Every lieutenant has to develop strong communication skills to lead effectively.
A lieutenant often serves as the executive officer on a submarine.
The training program for a lieutenant is rigorous and demanding.
In some countries, lieutenant is pronounced as "leftenant."
Lieutenant Idioms & Phrases
Acting lieutenant
A temporary position held in the absence of the official lieutenant.
She was appointed acting lieutenant while the current one was on leave.
Report to the lieutenant
To give information or updates to a junior officer.
All squad leaders must report to the lieutenant by noon.
Take orders from a lieutenant
To receive commands from a junior officer.
The soldiers were trained to take orders from a lieutenant without hesitation.
Aspiring to be a lieutenant
Aiming to achieve the rank of a junior officer.
Many cadets are aspiring to be a lieutenant after graduation.
Lieutenant-led mission
An operation directed by a lieutenant.
The reconnaissance mission was a lieutenant-led effort.
Promotion to lieutenant
Advancing to the rank of a junior officer.
His promotion to lieutenant was celebrated with a small ceremony.
Senior lieutenant
A rank just above junior lieutenant, indicating more experience.
The senior lieutenant had significant authority within the unit.
Retired lieutenant
A former lieutenant who has left active service.
The retired lieutenant often shared stories of his time in the military.
Junior lieutenant
A rank lower than a full lieutenant, sometimes used in naval contexts.
As a junior lieutenant, he was still learning the ropes.
FAQs
Which vowel is used before lieutenant?
The vowel 'e' is used before 'n' in "lieutenant."
What is the root word of lieutenant?
The root words are French "lieu" (place) and "tenant" (holder).
Which conjunction is used with lieutenant?
Conjunctions like "and" and "or" are used with "lieutenant."
What is the verb form of lieutenant?
There is no verb form; "lieutenant" is a noun.
What is the pronunciation of lieutenant?
Lieutenant is pronounced as /ljuːˈtɛnənt/ in British English and /ˈluːtənənt/ in American English.
Why is it called lieutenant?
It's called "lieutenant" from the French "lieu" (place) and "tenant" (holding), meaning holding a place.
Which article is used with lieutenant?
Both "a" and "the" can be used as articles with "lieutenant."
Which preposition is used with lieutenant?
Prepositions like "under" and "as" are commonly used with "lieutenant."
Is lieutenant a noun or adjective?
Lieutenant is a noun.
Is lieutenant a vowel or consonant?
The term "lieutenant" is neither a vowel nor a consonant; it's a noun.
Is the lieutenant term a metaphor?
"Lieutenant" can be used metaphorically, depending on context.
Is the word lieutenant imperative?
No, "lieutenant" is not an imperative; it's a noun.
How is lieutenant used in a sentence?
Example: "The lieutenant received orders for a new mission."
What is the singular form of lieutenant?
The singular form is "lieutenant."
Is lieutenant an adverb?
No, "lieutenant" is not an adverb.
Is lieutenant a negative or positive word?
"Lieutenant" is neutral; it is neither inherently negative nor positive.
Is lieutenant a countable noun?
Yes, "lieutenant" is a countable noun.
What part of speech is lieutenant?
Lieutenant is a noun.
Which determiner is used with lieutenant?
Determiners like "the," "a," and "that" are used with "lieutenant."
What is the third form of lieutenant?
There is no third form; "lieutenant" is a noun.
What is the plural form of lieutenant?
The plural form is "lieutenants."
What is the opposite of lieutenant?
The opposite of a lieutenant is a "commander" or "captain."
Is lieutenant a collective noun?
No, "lieutenant" is not typically used as a collective noun.
How do we divide lieutenant into syllables?
Lieutenant is divided as lieu-ten-ant.
What is a stressed syllable in lieutenant?
The stressed syllable in "lieutenant" is 'ten' in American English and 'lieu' in British English.
What is the second form of lieutenant?
There is no second form; "lieutenant" is a noun.
Is lieutenant an abstract noun?
No, "lieutenant" is a concrete noun.
What is another term for lieutenant?
Another term for lieutenant is "subordinate officer."
What is the first form of lieutenant?
There is no first form; "lieutenant" is a noun.
How many syllables are in lieutenant?
There are three syllables in "lieutenant."
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
