tutor
tutor
UK[ˈtjuːtə]US[ˈtuːtər]
n
a private teacher, typically one who teaches a single student or a very small group
n
(in some universities and colleges) a member of academic staff assigned to supervise the studies or welfare of a student or a small group of students
v
to act as a tutor to (a single student or a very small group); to teach privately
Etymology
the english word 'tutor' was borrowed directly from latin in the late 14th century, where 'tūtor' meant 'a guardian, watcher, protector'. this latin noun derives from the verb 'tuērī', meaning 'to watch, guard, or protect'. the semantic evolution from 'guardian' to 'instructor' is logical, as a tutor was seen as one who protects or guards a pupil's learning and moral development. the word entered english through anglo-norman and old french influences, solidifying its modern meaning related to private teaching and academic supervision by the 16th century.
Analysis
the word 'tutor' is a simplex loanword from latin. it does not contain separable english morphemes in its modern spelling.
Examples
she hired a math tutor to help her son prepare for the exam.
each undergraduate is assigned a personal tutor for academic guidance.
he earns extra income by tutoring students in chemistry on weekends.