Leftenant vs. Lieutenant: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 9, 2023
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
"Lieutenant" starts with "lieu," like "in lieu of," hinting at substitution.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Remember the "lieu" in "lieutenant" as 'place' in French.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Associate "tenant" in "lieutenant" with someone who occupies a position.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
The 'ie' in "lieutenant" follows the 'i' before 'e' rule.

Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Think of "lieu" (place) and "tenant" (holder) to form "lieutenant."

Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
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Leftenant and Lieutenant Definitions
Lieutenant
In the navy, a rank above sub-lieutenant and below lieutenant commander.
The naval lieutenant was responsible for navigation.

Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Lieutenant
A person who takes the place of a superior in their absence.
As his lieutenant, she managed the team while he was away.

Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
Lieutenant
An assistant with specific duties in various organizations.
She served as the lieutenant in the local police department.

Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
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Lieutenant
A junior officer in the armed forces, below a captain.
The lieutenant led his platoon with great skill.

Huma Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Lieutenant
A deputy or substitute acting for a superior.
The mayor appointed a lieutenant to oversee the community project.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Lieutenant
A commissioned rank in the US Navy or Coast Guard that is above lieutenant junior grade and below lieutenant commander.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
One who holds any of these ranks or a similar rank in another military organization.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
(lĕf-tĕnənt) A commissioned officer in the British and Canadian navies ranking just below a lieutenant commander.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
An officer in a police or fire department ranking below a captain.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
One who acts in place of or represents a superior; an assistant or deputy
The organized crime figure and his lieutenants.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
(military) The lowest Junior Commissioned Officer rank(s) in many military forces, often Army and Marines.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
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.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
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.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
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.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
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.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
A naval officer whose rank is above that of Sub-Lieutenant in the British Navy and below that of a Lieutenant Commander.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
A naval Commissioned Officer who holds the rank above Sub-Lieutenant and below Lieutenant Commander.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
A person who manages or executes the plans and directives of another, more senior person - i.e. a manager to his director.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
A military grade that is junior to the grade the adjective modifies: lieutenant colonel, lieutenant general, lieutenant commander.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
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.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
Lieutenant
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

Sumera Saeed
Apr 16, 2023
FAQs
Which vowel is used before lieutenant?
The vowel 'e' is used before 'n' in "lieutenant."

Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
What is the root word of lieutenant?
The root words are French "lieu" (place) and "tenant" (holder).

Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Which conjunction is used with lieutenant?
Conjunctions like "and" and "or" are used with "lieutenant."

Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
What is the verb form of lieutenant?
There is no verb form; "lieutenant" is a noun.

Huma Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
What is the pronunciation of lieutenant?
Lieutenant is pronounced as /ljuːˈtɛnənt/ in British English and /ˈluːtənənt/ in American English.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Why is it called lieutenant?
It's called "lieutenant" from the French "lieu" (place) and "tenant" (holding), meaning holding a place.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Which article is used with lieutenant?
Both "a" and "the" can be used as articles with "lieutenant."

Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Which preposition is used with lieutenant?
Prepositions like "under" and "as" are commonly used with "lieutenant."

Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Is lieutenant a vowel or consonant?
The term "lieutenant" is neither a vowel nor a consonant; it's a noun.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Is the lieutenant term a metaphor?
"Lieutenant" can be used metaphorically, depending on context.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Is the word lieutenant imperative?
No, "lieutenant" is not an imperative; it's a noun.

Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
How is lieutenant used in a sentence?
Example: "The lieutenant received orders for a new mission."

Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Is lieutenant a negative or positive word?
"Lieutenant" is neutral; it is neither inherently negative nor positive.

Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Which determiner is used with lieutenant?
Determiners like "the," "a," and "that" are used with "lieutenant."

Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
What is the third form of lieutenant?
There is no third form; "lieutenant" is a noun.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
What is the opposite of lieutenant?
The opposite of a lieutenant is a "commander" or "captain."

Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Is lieutenant a collective noun?
No, "lieutenant" is not typically used as a collective noun.

Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
How do we divide lieutenant into syllables?
Lieutenant is divided as lieu-ten-ant.

Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
What is a stressed syllable in lieutenant?
The stressed syllable in "lieutenant" is 'ten' in American English and 'lieu' in British English.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
What is the second form of lieutenant?
There is no second form; "lieutenant" is a noun.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
What is another term for lieutenant?
Another term for lieutenant is "subordinate officer."

Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
What is the first form of lieutenant?
There is no first form; "lieutenant" is a noun.

Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
How many syllables are in lieutenant?
There are three syllables in "lieutenant."

Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
