protégé
PROH-tuh-zhay
/ˈproʊtəʒeɪ/
A person who is guided and supported by an older or more experienced or influential person.
Implies a high level of potential in the student and a significant investment of time and reputation by the mentor.
The story behind the word. The word is the past participle of the French 'protéger', literally meaning 'protected one'. Historically, a protégé was someone under the protection of a powerful patron.
Word relationships
- apprentice: An apprentice is learning a specific trade or craft; a protégé is being groomed for broader success or leadership.
- mentor: The mentor is the one who provides the guidance that the protégé receives.
Collocations
- brilliant protégé
- mentor and protégé
- former protégé
Example sentences
- "Alexander the Great was the protégé of Aristotle, receiving an education that shaped his empire." Historical mentorship.
Memory hook
A protégé is a 'PRO' in the making, 'TEGE' (protected) by a mentor. The protected student.
When not to use
Not for a random student in a large class; it implies a one-on-one, special relationship.
Fun facts
- The feminine form in French is 'protégée', though in English, the masculine form is often used for both genders.
Related words
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