protege
Protege (noun) means a person who is taught, guided and helped forward in their career by someone more experienced and influential. Example: “She was a protege of the paper's long-serving editor.”
How to Use Protege
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone taken under the wing of a more senior person who helps their career along.
Neutral. Usually spelled protégé with accents in careful writing; protege is the common unaccented form. A female protégée is sometimes distinguished in French-influenced writing, but protégé now covers both.
A protege is guided by someone; a prodigy is simply extraordinarily talented young. The two are often mixed up.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was a _____ of the paper's long-serving editor.
Etymology
From French protégé, past participle of protéger "to protect", from Latin protegere "to cover in front".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for protege
See all rhymes for protege →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a protege and a mentor?
The mentor is the experienced one doing the guiding; the protege is the one being guided. The relationship also implies active sponsorship, not just advice: mentors open doors for their proteges.
What is the difference between a protege and a prodigy?
A protege is defined by the relationship with a patron, whatever their level of talent. A prodigy is defined by exceptional ability at a young age, with or without a mentor.
Do you need the accents in protege?
In edited writing, protégé with both accents is preferred. Without them the word is still widely understood and is standard in informal use and in plain-text contexts.