mentor
Mentor (noun) means an experienced, trusted advisor who guides someone less experienced. Example: “Her mentor at the firm helped her navigate the first tough year.”
How to use mentor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA trusted, experienced guide, or to act as one.
Word forms
mentored past tense, mentors plural, Mentors plural, mentors singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ at the firm helped her navigate the first tough year.
Etymology
From the character Mentor in Homer's Odyssey, the trusted advisor left in charge of Odysseus's son Telemachus — the name became a general word for "wise counselor."
Related words
Rhymes for mentor
See all rhymes for mentor →Frequently asked questions
What does “mentor” mean?
The word “mentor” means an experienced, trusted advisor who guides someone less experienced. In plain terms, a trusted, experienced guide, or to act as one.
How do you pronounce “mentor”?
“Mentor” is pronounced MEHN-taw (/ˈmɛn.toɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “mentor” in a sentence?
Here is “mentor” used in a sentence: “Her mentor at the firm helped her navigate the first tough year.”
What part of speech is “mentor”?
Depending on how it is used, “mentor” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “mentor” a common word?
“Mentor” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “mentor” have?
“Mentor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an experienced, trusted advisor who guides someone less experienced.
What is the difference between a mentor and a coach?
A mentor is an experienced, trusted advisor who offers long-term, broad guidance drawn from their own experience, often about a career or life path. A coach usually focuses on developing specific skills or performance over a shorter, more structured period. Mentoring tends to be relationship-led, while coaching is goal-led.
What is the difference between a mentor and a mentee?
A mentor is the experienced person who gives guidance, while a mentee (also called a protégé) is the less experienced person who receives it. The mentor advises; the mentee learns.
What is the difference between a mentor and a tutor?
A tutor teaches a particular subject or skill, usually in an academic setting. A mentor offers wider guidance and advice drawn from experience, which may cover career, personal growth, or professional judgement rather than a single subject.
Can "mentor" be used as a verb?
Yes. "To mentor" means to act as a mentor to someone, guiding and advising a less experienced person. For example, "she mentors new employees" or "he was mentored by a senior colleague."