First Known Use: 1570
Dictionary
1subaltern
adjective sub·al·tern \sə-ˈbȯl-tərn, especially British ˈsə-bəl-tərn\
Definition of SUBALTERN
1
: particular with reference to a related universal proposition <“some S is P” is a subaltern proposition to “all S is P”>
2
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Origin of SUBALTERN
Late Latin subalternus, from Latin sub- + alternus alternate, from alter other (of two) — more at alter
2subaltern
noun
: a junior officer in the British army
Full Definition of SUBALTERN
1
: a person holding a subordinate position; specifically : a junior officer (as in the British army)
2
: a particular proposition that follows immediately from a universal
See subaltern defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SUBALTERN
1605
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