Mentor
/ˈmen.tɔːr/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who provides guidance, advice, and support to another, often in a professional or educational setting.
/ˈmen.tɔːr/
A wise and trusted counselor or teacher.
My mentor helped me to develop valuable professional skills.
💡 Simply: Imagine having a really smart and helpful friend who's been there and done that. That's a mentor! They help you learn and make good choices, like a superhero sidekick, but for your career or school.
👶 For kids: A mentor is like a grown-up friend who helps you learn and grow.
More Examples
She credits her mentor for her success in the field of science.
A good mentor provides both encouragement and constructive criticism.
How It's Used
"The university assigned each student a faculty mentor to provide guidance."
"She found a valuable mentor who helped her navigate the corporate world."
To act as a mentor to someone; to advise or guide them, especially in a professional or personal setting.
/ˈmen.tɔːr/
To advise or guide someone.
She has been mentoring young entrepreneurs for several years.
💡 Simply: To mentor someone means to be their guide and helper. Think of it like showing someone the ropes, giving them advice, and helping them do well, just like a coach.
👶 For kids: To mentor means to help someone learn new things and do better.
More Examples
The experienced lawyer will mentor the new associates.
He enjoys mentoring students interested in pursuing a career in engineering.
How It's Used
"Senior employees often mentor junior staff members."
"She volunteered to mentor at-risk youth in the community."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
be a mentor to someone
To provide guidance and support to someone, often in a professional or educational setting.
"She was a mentor to many young artists, helping them to develop their skills."
From Greek Μέντωρ (Méntōr), the name of a character in Homer's Odyssey, who was entrusted with the education of Telemachus. The role of mentor, a wise and trusted advisor, comes from this story.
The word's use became widespread in the 20th century, particularly in educational and business contexts, reflecting a growing emphasis on guidance and personal development.
Memory tip
Think of Mentor from the Odyssey – a wise guide for Telemachus.