Mentor

Definition

Mentor is a person who provides guidance, advice, and support, typically in a professional or academic context, to a less experienced individual, known as a mentee.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (e.g., "to mentor someone")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɛnˌtɔr/
• Respelling: MEN-tor (with "MEN" as in "men" and "tor" as in "torn")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɛnˌtɔː/
• Respelling: MEN-taw (with "MEN" as in "men" and "taw" as in "saw")

In both dialects, "mentor" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MEN." The pronunciation differs slightly between American and British English, with "MEN-tor" in American English and "MEN-taw" in British English.

Etymology

The term "mentor" originates from ancient Greek literature. In Homer's "Odyssey," Mentor was a trusted friend of Odysseus and the guardian and teacher of his son, Telemachus. The English language adopted "mentor" as a term for a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

Derivatives

• Mentorship
• Mentoring
• Mentorless
• Mentoree (less common than mentee)
• Mentorial (rare)

Synonyms

• Guide
• Advisor
• Counselor

Antonyms

• Novice
• Pupil
• Apprentice

Usage

General Usage

A "mentor" typically denotes an individual who has more experience or knowledge in a particular field or area and offers guidance, support, and knowledge transfer to someone with less experience.

Professional and Academic Usage

In professional and academic settings, mentoring programs are often established to help newcomers or students navigate their early careers or studies.

Related Terms

• Mentee
• Coaching
• Tutoring
• Guidance
• Protégé

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Experienced Advisor: An individual who advises, trains, and supports a less experienced person, especially in professional or academic contexts.
• Example: As a new employee, she was fortunate to have a senior colleague as her mentor.

• Role Model: Someone who is admired for their achievements and qualities and is seen as a role model.
• Example: The young athlete considered the Olympic gold medalist his mentor.

Verb

• To Advise or Train: The act of guiding, advising, or training a less experienced person, especially in professional or academic contexts.
• Example: He mentors new recruits to help them understand the company culture.

• To Serve as a Role Model: To be an exemplar in certain qualities or achievements.
• Example: The renowned scientist has mentored many in her field through her groundbreaking research and discoveries.