IPA: /ˈmɛn.tɔːr/
KK: /ˈmɛnˌtɔr/
To act as a trusted advisor or teacher, especially in a professional context.
She decided to mentor new employees to help them adjust to the company culture.
Past: mentored
Past Participle: mentored
A person who provides guidance, advice, or support to someone, often in a professional or educational context.
She found a mentor who helped her navigate her career choices.
To guide and support someone, especially in their personal or professional development, by sharing knowledge and experience.
She decided to mentor a group of young entrepreneurs to help them succeed in their businesses.
Past: mentored
Past Participle: mentored
Mentor originates from the name 'Mentor' in Homer's 'Odyssey', where he was a wise and trusted advisor to Odysseus's son, Telemachus. The term has come to mean a trusted guide or teacher.
Think of Mentor as a wise guide from the 'Odyssey' who helps others learn and grow — that's why a mentor is someone who provides guidance.