| 释义 |
sub·al·tern
I. \səˈbȯltə(r)n sometimes ˈsəˌbȯ-, chiefly Brit ˈsəbəltən\ adjective
Etymology: Late Latin subalternus, from Latin sub- + alternus alternate, from alter other (of two) — more at alter
1. : ranked or ranged below : inferior in status or quality : subordinate
< the congenitally subaltern type of man — H.L.Mencken >
as
a. : relating to or typical of subordinate status
< subaltern fears >
b. : held or holding from one who is himself a vassal
< a subaltern manor >
< a subaltern vassal >
c. chiefly Britain : holding a rank below that of captain
2. [Medieval Latin subalternus, from Late Latin, subordinate] : particular with reference to a related universal or general
< “some S is P” is a subaltern proposition to “all S is P” >
II. noun
(-s)
1.
a. : a person holding a subordinate position or being inferior in respect to some quality or characteristic
< natural subalterns, ill-trained and uninterested >
b. chiefly Britain : a commissioned officer below the rank of captain
2. [Medieval Latin subalternus, from subalternus, adjective] : a subaltern proposition : a logical subalternate |