Teacher: meaning, definitions and examples

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teacher

[ˈtiːtʃər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

education

A person who teaches, especially in a school.

Synonyms

educator, instructor, professor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
teacher	Commonly used for someone who teaches in primary or secondary schools. Suitable for general use when talking about someone who educates children or young teenagers. My teacher gave us homework for the weekend. Mrs. Smith is an excellent teacher; she explains things so clearly.
educator	A more formal term, applicable to any level of education including primary, secondary, and higher education. It also includes those involved in the educational planning or theory development. As an educator, he has developed new teaching methods. She is a respected educator known for her innovative approaches.
instructor	Frequently used for someone who teaches practical skills or specific subjects, often in a non-school setting such as vocational training, workshops, or sports. The driving instructor was very patient and helpful. He works as a yoga instructor in the local community center.
professor	A formal term used mainly for university-level teachers. Professors often have a doctoral degree and are involved in both teaching and research. Professor Johnson is giving a lecture on quantum mechanics today. She became a professor after years of research and publications.

Examples of usage

The teacher explained the lesson to the students.
She has been a teacher for over 20 years.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A person who helps others learn new skills or improve existing ones, often outside of a formal educational setting.

Synonyms

coach, mentor, tutor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
teacher	Used in a formal education setting such as schools and universities where they provide instruction on a range of subjects. The math teacher explained the new concept clearly. Mrs. Smith is my history teacher.
tutor	Used in settings where one-on-one instruction or assistance with academic subjects is given, often outside of a formal school environment. I have a math tutor to help me with calculus. She works as a private tutor.
coach	Mostly used in sports or activities where the individual helps improve skills through training and practice. Our football coach pushed us to do our best. She is our swim coach.
mentor	Typically used in professional or personal development contexts where an experienced person guides someone less experienced. He is my mentor in the business world. She sought a mentor to help her grow her career.

Examples of usage

He is a guitar teacher and gives lessons on weekends.
She hired a math teacher to help her son with his homework.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'teacher' comes from Old English 'tǣcan,' meaning 'to show or point out.'
The root word 'teach' is linked to the Proto-Germanic word 'taikō,' which also means to show or demonstrate.

Cultural Impact

In many cultures, teachers are greatly respected and celebrated, such as in India on Teacher's Day.
The tradition of honoring teachers dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were often considered wise and learned individuals.

Psychology

Research shows that effective teachers can significantly impact student motivation and overall well-being.
The relationship between a student and teacher can profoundly affect a student’s self-esteem and academic success.

Educational Systems

Different countries have various requirements for becoming a teacher, including specific degrees and certifications.
In Finland, teaching is highly competitive, with only the top graduates allowed to enter teacher training programs.

Pop Culture

Iconic characters such as Mr. Feeny from 'Boy Meets World' and Ms. Frizzle from 'The Magic School Bus' highlight the impact teachers can have on students’ lives.
Movies like 'Dead Poets Society' and 'Good Will Hunting' showcase the inspirational role of teachers in helping students discover their potential.

Translations

Translations of the word "teacher" in other languages:

🇵🇹 professor

🇮🇳 शिक्षक

🇩🇪 Lehrer

🇮🇩 guru

🇺🇦 вчитель

🇵🇱 nauczyciel

🇯🇵 先生 (せんせい)

🇫🇷 professeur

🇪🇸 maestro

maestra
profesor
profesora

🇹🇷 öğretmen

🇰🇷 선생님 (seonsaengnim)

🇸🇦 معلم

🇨🇿 učitel

🇸🇰 učiteľ

🇨🇳 老师 (lǎoshī)

🇸🇮 učitelj

🇮🇸 kennari

🇰🇿 мұғалім

🇬🇪 მასწავლებელი (maswavlebel)

🇦🇿 müəllim

🇲🇽 maestro

maestra
profesor
profesora

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,252, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1249 computer
1250 applications
1251 begin
1252 teacher
1253 educational
1254 daughter
1255 frequency
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