guru
GOO-roo
/ˈɡʊruː/
An influential teacher or popular expert, especially in a specific field.
In modern professional English, 'guru' is used to describe a highly charismatic expert who not only possesses deep knowledge but also guides, teaches, and influences a large following of believers or clients.
The story behind the word. In ancient India, a 'guru' was a spiritual teacher who guided students from the darkness of ignorance into the light of wisdom. The literal Sanskrit meaning of the word is 'heavy'—implying someone who is 'heavy with knowledge' and carries immense spiritual weight.
Word relationships
- expert: An expert is defined by objective knowledge and skill, whereas a guru is also defined by their influence, teaching, and following.
- mentor: A mentor is a personal guide who works one-on-one, while a guru is often a public figure who influences many people at once.
- disciple: A disciple is a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosophy.
- novice: A novice is a beginner who is still learning the basics and has no authority to teach.
Commonly confused with
- guide: A guide shows the way physically or practically, while a guru is an intellectual or spiritual authority who shapes a person's philosophy.
Word family
- guruhood (noun): The state or status of being a guru.
Collocations
- marketing guru
- tech guru
- management guru
- financial guru
Example sentences
- "He is considered the ultimate Silicon Valley design guru, having shaped the look of modern smartphones." Describing a tech industry leader.
- "The organizational guru helped millions declutter their homes with her simple philosophy." Describing a lifestyle expert.
Memory hook
A GURU is someone who knows what is GOOD for yoU (G-U-R-U). A guru is heavy with wisdom.
When not to use
Avoid using 'guru' in highly formal academic research papers where 'authority' or 'expert' is preferred, as 'guru' carries a slightly trendy, corporate-slang vibe.
Fun facts
- The Sanskrit word 'guru' shares an ancient Indo-European root with the Latin word 'gravis' (heavy), which is where we get the words 'gravity' and 'grave'.
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