1. Someone, usually older and more experienced, who advises and guides a younger, less experienced person: As a wise and trusted mentor and senior consultant with years of experience, the supervisor helped many new workers develop successful careers in the company.

When capitalized, Mentor in Greek mythology was the friend whom Odysseus left in charge of the household while he was at Troy and who was the teacher and protector of Telemachus, Odysseus's son.

2. Etymology: a "wise advisor" from 1750; from Greek Mentor, a character in the "Odyssey", a friend of Odysseus, adviser of Telemachus who was often actually Athene in disguise.

Perhaps it ultimately means "adviser", since the name appears to be an agent noun of mentos, "intent, purpose, spirit, passion"; from Latin monitor, "one who admonishes". A form of men-, "to think", as in mental.

© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

Here is a link for more background information about Mentor (just click on the word) which should help you understand this word better.

1. To serve as a trusted counselor or teacher: "The father was mentoring his daughter's preparations for her career as a psychologist."
2. To serve as a loyal guide and teacher: "The school counselor spent a great deal of time providing information and mentored students as they strived to find the right careers for their futures."

"Every day, as a career counselor, he mentors people who are looking for employment in their fields of training and experiences."