Engineer: meaning, definitions and examples

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engineer

 

[ ˌɛn.dʒɪˈnɪr ]

Context #1 | Noun

work

A person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works.

Synonyms

architect, mechanic, technician.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
engineer

Someone who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or structures. Can be used broadly for various specialized fields like software engineering, civil engineering, etc.

  • She works as a software engineer at a tech company
  • The civil engineer was responsible for the new bridge design
technician

Someone skilled in the practical application of a specific technology or technical equipment. Usually emphasizes hands-on work and technical support.

  • The lab technician prepared the samples for analysis
  • The IT technician solved the computer issues quickly
mechanic

Someone who repairs and maintains machinery, especially motor vehicles. Often used for skilled manual workers.

  • The car mechanic fixed the engine in just an hour
  • He is working as an aircraft mechanic at the airport
architect

Someone who designs buildings and often oversees their construction. The term can also metaphorically describe someone who plans complex projects.

  • He is the architect of the new city hall
  • She was the main architect behind the successful business strategy

Examples of usage

  • He is a talented engineer who designs innovative solutions.
  • The engineer was responsible for maintaining the factory equipment.
  • She works as a civil engineer, focusing on infrastructure projects.
Context #2 | Noun

profession

A person trained and skilled in the design, construction, and use of engines or machines.

Synonyms

constructor, developer, technologist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
engineer

Used when referring to a professional who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works. Engineers often work in various fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering.

  • She works as a civil engineer designing bridges.
  • The software engineer fixed the bug in the application.
technologist

Used for a specialist in technology, often focusing on the application of scientific and technical knowledge for practical purposes. This term is broader and can refer to people in many technological fields.

  • He is a healthcare technologist working on new medical devices.
  • As a food technologist, she develops new food products.
constructor

Mostly used in programming to refer to a special method in a class that initializes objects. This term is rarely used in everyday language outside of programming.

  • The constructor sets up the initial state of the object.
  • When creating a new instance, the constructor method is called.
developer

Often associated with software development, this term refers to someone who creates and maintains applications or websites. It can also apply to someone who develops real estate projects or other large projects.

  • She is a front-end developer working on the new website design.
  • The property developer has several new projects in the city.

Examples of usage

  • The company hired an engineer to oversee the development of their new product.
  • Engineers play a crucial role in technological advancements.
  • She studied hard to become a qualified engineer.
Context #3 | Verb

manipulate

To manipulate or manage cleverly or deceitfully.

Synonyms

arrange, contrive, orchestrate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
engineer

Best suited for describing a situation where someone is skillfully planning or designing something, often involving technical or detailed work. Common in contexts like construction, technology, or problem-solving.

  • She engineered a new software to improve efficiency.
  • The company needs an engineer to design the new bridge.
orchestrate

Best used when coordinating or organizing a complex plan or event, similar to how a conductor would manage an orchestra. Often involves directing multiple elements or people smoothly.

  • He orchestrated the entire marketing campaign himself.
  • The manager orchestrated a careful plan to launch the new product.
arrange

Typically used when you are talking about organizing or setting things in order, especially in everyday activities or events like meetings, travel plans, or items in a space.

  • Can you arrange the meeting for next Monday?
  • He arranged the books on the shelf by color.
contrive

Often used in contexts where something is planned or created in a clever or deceitful way. It implies a sense of inventiveness but may also carry a slightly negative connotation.

  • She contrived an excuse to avoid the meeting.
  • They contrived to make the event more interesting.

Examples of usage

  • He tried to engineer a situation where he would come out looking like the hero.
  • She engineered a plan to ensure her success in the project.

Translations

Translations of the word "engineer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 engenheiro

🇮🇳 अभियंता

🇩🇪 Ingenieur

🇮🇩 insinyur

🇺🇦 інженер

🇵🇱 inżynier

🇯🇵 エンジニア

🇫🇷 ingénieur

🇪🇸 ingeniero

🇹🇷 mühendis

🇰🇷 엔지니어

🇸🇦 مهندس

🇨🇿 inženýr

🇸🇰 inžinier

🇨🇳 工程师

🇸🇮 inženir

🇮🇸 verkfræðingur

🇰🇿 инженер

🇬🇪 ინჟინერი

🇦🇿 mühəndis

🇲🇽 ingeniero

Etymology

The word 'engineer' originated from Middle English, borrowed from Old French 'engigneor', meaning 'constructor of military engines'. It further derives from Latin 'ingeniārius', related to 'ingenium' meaning 'cleverness'. The term became associated with those skilled in designing and constructing engines, machines, and structures. Over time, the role of an engineer expanded to various fields, including civil, mechanical, and software engineering, reflecting advancements in technology and innovation.

See also: engine, engineering.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,615, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.