How to pronounce subaltern
Say it like suh-BAWL-tern. Subaltern has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAWL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce subaltern. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suh
- BAWL
- tern
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subaltern pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- BAWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- ternKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of subaltern
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUHB-ul-tun.
What does subaltern mean?
- Of a lower rank or position; inferior or secondary; especially (military) ranking as a junior officer, below the rank of captain.“a subaltern officer”
- Asserting only a part of what is asserted in a related proposition.
- A subordinate.
- A commissioned officer having a rank below that of captain; a lieutenant or second lieutenant.
- A subaltern proposition; a proposition implied by a universal proposition.
Where does subaltern come from?
From Middle French subalterne, from Late Latin subalternus, from Latin sub- + alternus, from alter.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying subaltern
How do you pronounce subaltern?
Say suh-BAWL-tern. The American pronunciation is /sʌˈbɔltərn/. In British English it is /ˈsʌbəltən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subaltern?
Subaltern has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAWL). Broken into parts: suh · BAWL · tern.
Is subaltern pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈsʌbəltən/ (SUHB-ul-tun).