tutor

UK: ˈtjuːtə | US: ˈtuːtər

Definition
  1. n. a private teacher who provides individualized instruction

  2. vt. to teach or guide someone individually

Structure
tut <protect/guide>or <agent suffix>
Etymology

tutor = tut<protect/guide> + or<agent suffix>

  • tut (from Latin tutor, meaning "protector" or "guardian," derived from tueri "to watch over")
  • or (Latin agent suffix indicating "one who does something")

Etymology Origin:
The word "tutor" traces back to Latin tutor, originally meaning "guardian" or "protector." Over time, its meaning shifted from general guardianship to focused academic guidance, reflecting the role of a mentor who "watches over" a learner’s development. The suffix -or solidifies its function as an agent noun (e.g., "instructor," "advisor").

Examples
  1. She hired a tutor to help her with calculus.

  2. He tutors students in English literature every weekend.

  3. The university offers free tutoring services for freshmen.

  4. As a writing tutor, her feedback improved my essays significantly.

  5. Parents often seek tutors to supplement their child’s education.