A person who is learning a job or skill through practical experience under supervision.
From 'train' (Old French 'trainer') plus the suffix '-ee' (one who receives the action). The word emerged in the 20th century as formal apprenticeships became more common.
The '-ee' suffix in English is fascinating because it marks the *receiver* of action—a trainee receives training, a trainor gives it—and this pattern creates symmetry in how we name roles, which is why we also have 'payee,' 'trustee,' and 'nominee.'
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