Subaltern is a term used to describe a person in a lower rank or position than another. It is often used to refer to a SUBORDINATE, someone who is lower in rank than their superior. An INFERIOR is someone who is of lower status or rank than another. An AIDE is someone who assists another person, usually in a professional capacity. All three terms can be used to describe a subaltern, someone who is lower in rank than another and is SUBORDINATE to them.