subaltern Definition
- 1lower in rank or position
- 2a subordinate
- 3a person of inferior rank in the British army or navy
Using subaltern: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "subaltern" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The subaltern officer was responsible for the troops' welfare.
Example
She was a subaltern in the company hierarchy.
Example
The British army had a strict hierarchy with subalterns at the bottom.
Example
The subalterns were tasked with carrying out the orders of their superiors.
subaltern Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with subaltern
subaltern studies
an academic field that focuses on the history and experiences of marginalized groups in South Asia
Example
Her research interests include subaltern studies and postcolonial theory.
the perspective and experiences of marginalized or oppressed groups, often used in postcolonial and feminist discourse
Example
The novel provides a subaltern voice to the narrative of colonialism.
subaltern counterpublics
alternative public spheres created by marginalized groups to challenge dominant narratives and power structures
Example
The LGBTQ+ community has created subaltern counterpublics to advocate for their rights and visibility.
Origins of subaltern
from Latin 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'alternus' meaning 'every other'
Summary: subaltern in Brief
The term 'subaltern' [səˈbɔːltən] refers to someone or something lower in rank or position, such as a subordinate or an inferior. It is commonly used in military contexts, as exemplified by 'The British army had a strict hierarchy with subalterns at the bottom.' 'Subaltern' extends into phrases like 'subaltern studies,' which focuses on the history and experiences of marginalized groups in South Asia, and 'subaltern voice,' which refers to the perspective of oppressed groups.
