tutorial
Meaning
relating to or given by a tutor
a period of instruction given by a tutor, especially to an individual or a small group
a book, computer program, etc., that teaches you how to do something by giving instructions and examples
Structure
Usage
she attended a weekly tutorial on ancient history.
the software includes an interactive tutorial for new users.
his tutorial responsibilities involve supervising two graduate students.
Etymology
the word 'tutorial' originates from the latin tutor, which itself derives from the verb tueri, meaning 'to watch over, guard, or protect'. this semantic core of protective supervision evolved in medieval latin to denote a guardian or instructor, a sense carried into english. the suffix -ial, of latin origin, is used to form adjectives meaning 'relating to'. thus, the literal construction 'pertaining to a guardian/instructor' logically evolved into its modern meanings associated with instructional guidance, whether in an academic setting or a step-by-step guide.
Analysis
tutor (from latin tutor, meaning 'guardian, watcher', from tueri 'to watch, guard'); ial (a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'of or pertaining to')