mentor
MEN-tor
/ˈmɛntɔːr/
An experienced and trusted adviser who helps guide a less experienced person over a significant period.
Implies a deep, often informal, and long-term relationship focused on holistic personal and professional growth rather than just task completion.
The story behind the word. In Homer's Odyssey, when Odysseus leaves for the Trojan War, he places his household and his young son Telemachus under the care of his trusted friend, Mentor. When Telemachus needs guidance, the goddess Athena disguises herself as Mentor to deliver wise counsel, forever linking the name to trusted, wise advisers.
Word relationships
- adviser: An adviser provides specific, often transactional information, whereas a mentor guides overall personal development.
- guide: A guide physically or procedurally directs someone through a path, while a mentor shapes character and career.
- charge: A charge is someone who is being looked after, whereas a mentor is the one doing the looking after.
Commonly confused with
- coach: A coach focuses on specific skills and short-term performance goals, whereas a mentor focuses on long-term career and personal growth.
Word family
- mentorship (noun): The position or relationship of a mentor.
- mentoring (noun): The practice of helping and advising a less experienced person.
Collocations
- trusted mentor
- find a mentor
- act as a mentor
- mentor program
Idioms & expressions
- under the wing of a mentor
Example sentences
- "He was a mentor and a friend, always ready to offer wisdom without demanding conformity." A classic literary reflection on the role of a guide.
- "To be a great mentor, one must learn the art of active listening before offering solutions." From a well-known business publication discussing leadership development.
Memory hook
Think of a 'men-tor' as a 'mind-tore' open to new ideas, or a wise 'man' who helps you 'tore' through obstacles. Mentor: The wise mind who guides your tour.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to a short-term technical trainer or a supervisor whose only role is to evaluate daily performance.
Fun facts
- The word 'mentor' did not become a common English noun until the late 18th century, popularized by a French novel called 'Les Aventures de Télémaque'.
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.