junior

UK: ˈdʒuːniə | US: ˈdʒuːniər

Definition

  1. adj. younger in age or lower in rank

  2. n. a person who is younger or of lower rank

  3. n. (US) a student in the third year of high school or college

Structure
jun <young>ior <comparative suffix>jun <young>ior <comparative suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin iunior (younger), the comparative form of iuvenis (young). The suffix -ior was used in Latin to form comparatives (e.g., senior from senex). The word entered English in the 13th century, retaining its original sense of relative youth or subordinate status.

Examples

  1. She is three years junior to her brother.

  2. He started as a junior employee but quickly rose to management.

  3. The junior team won the championship last year.

  4. As a college junior, she began applying for internships.

  5. The junior members of the committee voted first.