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Subaltern for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: 'səbəltən

What does Subaltern really mean?

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Subaltern is a word that might sound a little bit complicated at first, but don't worry, I'm here to help you understand it in a simple and easy way. So, let's break it down!

When we talk about a subaltern, we are referring to someone who is in a lower rank or position, like a soldier in the army or a student in a classroom. It's all about being in a position of less power or authority. But wait, there's more!

The word "subaltern" can also be used to describe a group of people who are often overlooked or ignored. Think about it like this: Imagine you and your classmates are playing a game, and there's always a group of students who don't get chosen to play. These students could be considered as subalterns because they are not getting the same attention or opportunities as others.

Now, let's dive deeper into this word. The term "subaltern" originated from a military context, where it referred to a lower-ranking officer or a person of inferior status. Over time, its meaning expanded and it is now commonly used in various fields such as history, sociology, and cultural studies. In these areas, it is used to analyze how people who are not in positions of power are often silenced or excluded in society.

To put it simply, being a subaltern means being in a position of lesser power, authority, or recognition. It's like being the last kid picked for a game or feeling like your voice doesn't matter. The term helps us understand and recognize the inequality and challenges that some individuals or groups face in society.

So, next time you hear the word "subaltern," think about soldiers in an army and how some people may be overlooked or not given the same opportunities as others. You can now confidently use and understand this word! Keep up the great work in your learning journey!

Revised and Fact checked by Robert Taylor on 2023-10-28 21:51:59

Subaltern In a sentece

Learn how to use Subaltern inside a sentece

  • In the military, a subaltern is a low-ranking officer who assists the higher-ranking officers in carrying out their duties.
  • In a company, a subaltern employee is someone who works under the supervision of a higher-level manager.
  • In a soccer team, the subaltern players are usually the substitutes who come off the bench during the game.
  • In a classroom, a subaltern student may be assigned to assist the teacher with tasks like distributing papers or organizing materials.
  • In a restaurant, a subaltern waiter may have to refill water glasses and clear tables under the supervision of a head waiter.

Subaltern Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Subaltern Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Subaltern Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.

Subaltern Category

The domain category to which the original word belongs.