mentor
MEHN-taw
Mentor (noun) means an experienced, trusted advisor who guides someone less experienced. Example: “My old teacher became a mentor and still gives me career advice.”
noun
1
An experienced, trusted advisor who guides someone less experienced.
"My old teacher became a mentor and still gives me career advice."
"Her mentor at the firm helped her navigate the first tough year."
"Every apprentice was paired with a mentor."
verb
1
To act as a mentor to someone; to guide and advise them.
"She volunteers to mentor new students during their first term."
"Retired teachers mentor younger colleagues at our school through weekly meetings."
"He has mentored dozens of young engineers over his career."
How to use mentor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA trusted, experienced guide, or to act as one.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
find a mentor
mentor someone
mentor-mentee relationship
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Word forms
- Plural
- mentors
- Third person singular
- mentors
- Past tense
- mentored
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
My old teacher became a _____ and still gives me career advice.
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."
