Corporal

Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkɔːrpərəl/

Definitions

• Adjective: Relating to the body; bodily.
• Adjective: Of or pertaining to the military rank of corporal.
• Noun: A non-commissioned officer in the army or marine corps, ranked below a sergeant.

Usage Examples

• "He was promoted to corporal after several years of distinguished service."
• "The corporal punishment was deemed too harsh and was later abolished."
• "The corporal's duties included overseeing recruits and ensuring discipline."

Etymology

From Latin 'corpus' meaning "body" and the suffix '-al' indicating pertaining to. The term evolved to also refer to a rank in the military, based on the idea of an officer overseeing a small group of soldiers.

Synonyms

• Sergeant (in some contexts)
• Officer
• Non-commissioned officer (NCO)

Antonyms

• Private
• Enlisted personnel

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In British English, the term "corporal" may be pronounced with a more distinct 'r' sound, while American English may soften the pronunciation. In non-English-speaking countries, the pronunciation of "corporal" can vary greatly depending on local phonetic rules.

Historical Usage

The term "corporal" dates back to the late Middle Ages, originally referring to a person in charge of a small group or unit. Over time, it became a formal military rank used in various armies, including the British and U.S. forces, denoting an officer who oversees a squad of soldiers but is below the rank of sergeant.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, the rank of corporal is seen as a stepping stone in a military career, while in others it is a position of significant authority within smaller military units. In the military, the term is often associated with leadership, responsibility, and the role of mentor to younger soldiers.

More Information

Corporal, as a rank, is typically a non-commissioned officer who serves in a supervisory role within a unit, often responsible for ensuring the discipline, training, and readiness of the soldiers under their command. They are considered an important link between higher-ranking officers and the enlisted personnel. The corporal's responsibilities can vary depending on the size and function of the unit, but generally, they oversee day-to-day operations and provide leadership in the absence of senior officers.