What does "tutor" mean?
One who teaches another (usually called a student, learner, or tutee) in a one-on-one or small-group interaction.
Tutor
/ˈtutɚ/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who teaches another (usually called a student, learner, or tutee) in a one-on-one or small-group interaction.
- Grammar: tutor is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: coach, academic mentor, advise, advise.
- Useful contrasts: ignore, learner, neglect.
- Usage evidence: My tutor scolded me for my stupid behavior.
How to use "tutor"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "tutor" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "tutor" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "tutor" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "tutor" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "tutor" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "coach" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "tutor", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who teaches another (usually called a student, learner, or tutee) in a one-on-one or small-group interaction.
"He passed the difficult class with help from his tutor."
- 2 A card that allows one to search one's deck for one or more other cards.
"here are some tutor cards i thought would be interesting."
- 3 a person who gives private instruction (as in singing, acting, etc.) wordnet
- 4 A university officer responsible for students in a particular hall. UK
- 5 A homeroom. UK
Show 1 more definition
- 6 One who has the charge of a child or pupil and his estate; a guardian. Quebec, obsolete
Verb
- 1 To instruct or teach, especially an individual or small group. transitive
"To help pay her tuition, the college student began to tutor high school students in calculus and physics."
- 2 To fetch a card from one's deck.
"Any instant that you move to the board can *only* be tutored for with Cunning Wish."
- 3 be a tutor to someone; give individual instruction wordnet
- 4 To treat with authority or sternness. archaic, transitive
- 5 act as a guardian to someone wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"My tutor scolded me for my stupid behavior."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "tutor"?
Common synonyms include: coach, academic mentor, advise, advise, apprentice, assistant.
How do you use "tutor" in a sentence?
My tutor scolded me for my stupid behavior.
How do you pronounce "tutor"?
Pronounced /ˈtutɚ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English tutour, from Old French tuteur (French tuteur), from Latin tūtor (“a watcher, protector, guardian”), from tueor (“protect”); see tuition.
Etymology 2
Ellipsis of Demonic tutor, name of an early Magic: The Gathering card with this effect.