As a noun, a tutor is a person who gives someone extra teaching, often one‑on‑one. As a verb, to tutor means to help someone learn a subject outside regular class.
From Latin "tutor" meaning guardian or protector, from "tueri" meaning to watch or protect. The role shifted from legal guardian to someone who protects a student’s learning.
Originally, your tutor was more like a legal guardian than a math helper—someone in charge of your whole upbringing. The idea of "guarding" your learning still survives when tutors guide, correct, and support you individually.
Historically, formal tutoring and education roles were dominated by men, while women’s teaching work was often informal or undervalued. Over time, women became central in tutoring and teaching, though stereotypes sometimes still associate 'tutor' with certain genders depending on subject.
Use 'tutor' for any gender and avoid assumptions about a tutor’s gender or subject expertise. Focus on skills and role rather than gendered expectations.
["instructor","teacher","coach","mentor"]
Women have played a major role in expanding access to education through tutoring and teaching, especially for girls and marginalized learners, often without equal recognition or pay.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.