Instructor: meaning, definitions and examples

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instructor

[ɪnˈstrʌktər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

education

A person who teaches or trains students in a particular subject or skill.

Synonyms

educator, teacher, tutor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
instructor	Typically used in settings where practical skills are taught, such as fitness classes, driving schools, or workshops. The yoga instructor guided the class through several poses. The driving instructor was very patient with the student.
teacher	Commonly used for individuals teaching in schools, from elementary to high school levels. It can also be used more generally. My math teacher explained the concept very clearly. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds of young students.
tutor	Often refers to someone who provides extra help or instruction in a specific subject, usually one-on-one or in small groups. I hired a tutor to help me with my Spanish homework. The math tutor worked with the student twice a week.
educator	A broad term that can refer to anyone involved in teaching or educational activities, often used in formal or academic settings. She is a dedicated educator committed to improving literacy rates. Many educators attended the annual teaching conference.

Examples of usage

The yoga instructor guided the class through a series of poses.
The driving instructor explained the rules of the road to the new driver.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

military

A person who provides practical training and guidance in a specific area, such as weapons or tactics.

Synonyms

coach, mentor, trainer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
instructor	Typically used in educational or formal training environments to refer to someone who teaches or provides instructions on a specific subject or skill. The instructor in our biology class explained the process of photosynthesis. She is a certified yoga instructor.
trainer	Common in both fitness and professional development settings, focusing on teaching new skills or knowledge and providing hands-on practice. The corporate trainer led a workshop on time management. I go to the gym regularly and work with a personal trainer to stay in shape.
mentor	Used when referring to someone who provides guidance, advice, and support, often in a career or professional setting, with a focus on long-term development and growth. My mentor at work has helped me navigate my career path. She acts as a mentor to several junior employees.
coach	Often used in sports or personal development settings where the focus is on improving performance, skills, or achieving specific goals. Our football coach is incredible at motivating the team. I hired a life coach to help me set and achieve my personal goals.

Examples of usage

The drill instructor shouted commands to the recruits during training.
The flight instructor demonstrated proper parachute techniques to the cadets.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

aviation

A qualified pilot who provides training to other pilots, often in a flight simulator.

Synonyms

aviation coach, flight trainer, pilot instructor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
instructor	General term used for someone who teaches skills or knowledge in various fields, including aviation. Jane is an experienced instructor who specializes in teaching advanced mathematics The instructor gave detailed explanations during the driving lesson
pilot instructor	Specifically refers to an instructor who teaches and trains pilots, often implying hands-on flying training and advanced piloting skills. Paul's pilot instructor guided him through the final test flights The pilot instructor demonstrated advanced maneuvers to the student
flight trainer	Refers to someone specializing in training individuals to become pilots, focusing on practical and theoretical aspects of flying. The flight trainer gave a detailed briefing before the simulation exercise Sarah's flight trainer emphasized the importance of emergency procedures
aviation coach	Used for someone who provides personalized guidance and training in aviation, often with a focus on improving overall performance and skills. Mark works as an aviation coach, helping pilots enhance their landing techniques The aviation coach provided tailored feedback to improve flight safety

Examples of usage

The airline instructor simulated engine failure scenarios for the trainee pilots.
The flight instructor evaluated the student's landing technique during the training session.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'instructore', meaning 'to build, put together', showing its link to teaching skills.
It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century, originally describing a person who builds or constructs knowledge.
The suffix '-or' indicates a person doing an action, like 'actor' means someone who acts.

Education

Instructors can work in various settings including schools, universities, online platforms, and vocational training centers.
They often specialize in certain subjects, such as mathematics, science, or arts, shaping how students understand complex ideas.
Teaching styles can vary greatly among instructors, ranging from traditional lecturing to interactive, hands-on sessions.

Pop Culture

In many movies and TV shows, instructors are portrayed as vital mentors who change the lives of their students, like Mr. Miyagi in 'The Karate Kid'.
Reality shows often feature instructors who teach contestants new skills, making learning exciting and competitive.
Famous instructors in history, like Socrates and Plato, are still referenced today as ideals in teaching and philosophy.

Psychology

Research shows that effective instructors can significantly boost student motivation and engagement, leading to better learning outcomes.
The concept of the 'growth mindset', introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes how instructors influence students’ belief in their abilities.
Positive relationships with instructors can contribute to students feeling safe and supported, enhancing their overall educational experience.

Technology

With the rise of online learning, many instructors have adapted to teaching through videos, webinars, and interactive platforms.
Artificial intelligence is beginning to aid instructors, providing tools to personalize learning and assess student performance efficiently.
Instructors are increasingly using gamification in lessons, turning learning into a fun and engaging game-like experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "instructor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 instrutor

🇮🇳 प्रशिक्षक

🇩🇪 Instruktor

🇮🇩 instruktur

🇺🇦 інструктор

викладач
тренер

🇵🇱 instruktor

🇯🇵 インストラクター

🇫🇷 instructeur

🇪🇸 instructor

🇹🇷 eğitmen

🇰🇷 강사

🇸🇦 مدرب

🇨🇿 instruktor

🇸🇰 inštruktor

🇨🇳 教练

🇸🇮 inštruktor

🇮🇸 leiðbeinandi

🇰🇿 нұсқаушы

🇬🇪 ინსტრუქტორი

🇦🇿 müəllim

🇲🇽 instructor

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,005 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6002 mutually
6003 balls
6004 entertained
6005 instructor
6006 traveled
6007 frightened
6008 generalized
...