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Tutor: meaning, definitions and examples

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tutor

 

[ˈtjuː.tər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

education

A tutor is a person who provides individual instruction or guidance to a student. Tutors can help students improve their academic performance, develop study skills, and prepare for exams.

Synonyms

educator, instructor, teacher.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tutor

A person who provides individualized instruction or help, often in a one-on-one setting. This term is commonly used for private lessons outside of formal classroom settings.

  • Sarah hired a tutor to help her son with his math homework.
  • My English tutor helped me improve my writing skills.
instructor

This term is often used to describe someone who teaches skills or how to perform specific tasks, frequently in the context of adult education, vocational training, or fitness classes.

  • The driving instructor showed me how to parallel park.
  • She works as a yoga instructor at the local gym.
teacher

A person who educates students in a school setting, ranging from elementary to high school. It connotes a formal role within an institutional framework.

  • Ms. Johnson is a third-grade teacher at the elementary school.
  • Teachers play a crucial role in shaping young minds.
educator

A broad term that can refer to anyone who engages in teaching, whether in formal or informal settings. It often emphasizes the role in the educational system as a whole.

  • As an educator, she strives to inspire her students to love learning.
  • Various educators gathered at the conference to discuss new teaching methods.

Examples of usage

  • The math tutor helped me understand algebra better.
  • I hired a French tutor to help me with my pronunciation.
Context #2 | Verb

education

To tutor means to teach, instruct, or guide someone in a particular subject or skill. Tutoring can be done in person or online.

Synonyms

coach, mentor, teach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tutor

A tutor is usually hired to help students understand academic subjects better. Tutors often work one-on-one with students outside of regular school hours.

  • She hired a math tutor to improve her grades.
  • The tutor explained the difficult concepts in a way he could understand.
teach

To teach is to provide knowledge, skills, or information, typically in a more general sense and often within a formal educational setting.

  • Mr. Smith teaches history at the high school.
  • She loves to teach children how to read.
coach

A coach typically helps someone develop skills in sports or specific activities. Coaches also guide personal development, often in a more formal and structured setting.

  • The soccer coach organized drills to improve the team's performance.
  • She has a coach to help her prepare for the marathon.
mentor

A mentor provides guidance and advice, often in a professional or personal development context. This relationship is usually more informal and long-term.

  • His mentor helped him navigate his career in the tech industry.
  • She sought advice from her mentor about starting a business.

Examples of usage

  • She tutored him in English grammar.
  • I've been tutoring students in math for years.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'tutor', meaning 'to guard or watch over', indicating a role that involves guidance.
  • Historically, tutors were often private teachers for wealthy families in Ancient Rome and Europe, overseeing the education of children.
  • The concept of tutoring has roots in the medieval period when scholars began offering personalized lessons.

Education

  • Tutoring can be formal or informal; it may happen in classrooms, homes, or even online.
  • Studies show that tutoring can significantly improve a student's academic performance and confidence in their abilities.
  • Peer tutoring, where students help each other, fosters collaboration and deeper understanding of subjects.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict tutors as pivotal characters who help the main character overcome academic challenges, such as in 'Dead Poets Society'.
  • In popular television, tutoring shows highlight the struggles and successes of students, often making learning relatable and entertaining.
  • Video game characters can also take on tutor-like roles, guiding players through complex gameplay mechanics.

Psychology

  • Having a tutor can reduce anxiety and build self-esteem, especially for students struggling in a subject.
  • Personalized attention from a tutor can address unique learning styles, enhancing retention and understanding.
  • The relationship between a student and a tutor can greatly influence motivation and engagement in the learning process.

Technology

  • With the rise of the internet, online tutoring platforms have made it easier for learners to connect with tutors anywhere in the world.
  • AI-based tutoring systems are emerging, providing personalized lesson plans and instant feedback based on student performance.
  • Mobile applications now offer interactive tutoring for various subjects, making learning accessible on the go.

Translations

Translations of the word "tutor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tutor

🇮🇳 ट्यूटर

🇩🇪 Tutor

🇮🇩 tutor

🇺🇦 репетитор

🇵🇱 korepetytor

🇯🇵 家庭教師

🇫🇷 tuteur

🇪🇸 tutor

🇹🇷 özel öğretmen

🇰🇷 과외 교사

🇸🇦 معلّم خاص

🇨🇿 doučovatel

🇸🇰 tútor

🇨🇳 家庭教师

🇸🇮 inštruktor

🇮🇸 kennari

🇰🇿 репетитор

🇬🇪 რეპეტიტორი

🇦🇿 tutor

🇲🇽 tutor

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,120, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.