Protégé: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is guided and supported by a more experienced person, often in a professional or academic setting.

• The CEO considered Alicia his protégé and spent extra time mentoring her.
• As a respected scientist, Dr. Jones has many protégés in the field.

Ideal for a person who is learning a trade or craft from a skilled employer for a specific period, often associated with manual or technical jobs.

• The blacksmith took on a new apprentice to help with the increasing workload.
• She started as an apprentice chef, learning the art of cooking in a busy kitchen.

Perfect for a person who is receiving guidance and advice from a mentor, often in a business, academic, or personal development setting.

• During the mentorship program, each student is paired with a mentee to guide through the semester.
• She values the relationship with her mentee and hopes to help her achieve her career goals.

Best used in religious, spiritual, or philosophical contexts to describe a follower who is devoted to the teachings of a leader or teacher.

• The guru's disciples gathered to listen to his wise words.
• As a disciple of the famous philosopher, he spent his life spreading those teachings.