noun

protege

PROT-uh-zhay

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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.”

noun

A person who is taught, guided and helped forward in their career by someone more experienced and influential.

"She was a protege of the paper's long-serving editor."

"He hired his old protege to run the new division."

How to use protege

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone taken under the wing of a more senior person who helps their career along.

When to use it

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.

Memory tip

A protege is guided by someone; a prodigy is simply extraordinarily talented young. The two are often mixed up.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

protege vs mentor protege vs prodigy protégé vs protégée

Common pairings

a protege of former protege young protege mentor and protege

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “protege” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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".

Origin: French

Synonyms

View more →

mentee pupil disciple apprentice student

Antonyms

mentor patron

Related words

student Christian master coach teacher customer graduate buyer

Rhymes for protege

siege liege renege college sacrilege privilege

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.

What is the meaning of protege?

"protege" (noun) means a person who is taught, guided and helped forward in their career by someone more experienced and influential.

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