tutor
4 synonyms and 3 antonyms for tutor, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who teaches a student individually or in a small group, often privately.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
private teacher
Antonyms
How to use tutor
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
private tutor
tutor a student
maths tutor
Etymology
From Latin tutor, "a watcher, protector, guardian", from tueri, "to protect" — the same root as "tuition".
Full origin of tutor →Frequently asked questions
What does “tutor” mean?
The word “tutor” means a person who teaches a student individually or in a small group, often privately. In plain terms, someone who teaches one-on-one or in small groups, or the act of teaching that way.
How do you pronounce “tutor”?
“Tutor” is pronounced TYOO-tuh (/ˈtjuːtəː/ in IPA).
How do you use “tutor” in a sentence?
Here is “tutor” used in a sentence: “She hired a maths tutor to help her son before exams.”
What part of speech is “tutor”?
Depending on how it is used, “tutor” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tutor” come from?
The word “tutor” comes from Latin. From Latin tutor, "a watcher, protector, guardian", from tueri, "to protect" — the same root as "tuition".
Is “tutor” a common word?
“Tutor” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tutor” have?
“Tutor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who teaches a student individually or in a small group, often privately.
What is the difference between a tutor and a teacher?
A tutor teaches a student individually or in a small group, often privately, while a teacher typically instructs a full class in a school setting. Tutoring tends to focus on one learner's specific needs rather than delivering a standard curriculum to many students at once.
Is tutor used as a verb as well as a noun?
Yes, tutor can be a noun for the person doing the teaching or a verb meaning to teach someone individually or in a small group. For example, someone can hire a tutor, or a tutor can tutor a student in math.
What is the difference between a tutor and a mentor?
A tutor's role is specifically instructional, teaching a subject or skill to an individual or small group. A mentor's role is broader, offering general guidance and advice, which may or may not involve direct teaching.
