tutor
Tutor (noun) means a person who teaches a student individually or in a small group, often privately. Example: “She hired a maths tutor to help her son before exams.”
How to use tutor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who teaches one-on-one or in small groups, or the act of teaching that way.
Word forms
tutored past tense, tutored past tense, tutors plural, tutors plural, Tutors plural, tutors singular, tutors singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She hired a maths _____ to help her son before exams.
Etymology
From Latin tutor, "a watcher, protector, guardian", from tueri, "to protect" — the same root as "tuition".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tutor
See all rhymes for 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.