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Where does the word "mentor" come from? It comes from Greek Mentor, and was adopted directly into English (1750s).
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Where does the word "mentor" come from? It comes from Greek Mentor, and was adopted directly into English (1750s).
Mentor’s story begins in Greek: Mentor meant “a trusted guide and advisor in myth.” The wise friend entrusted to guide Odysseus's son in Homer's Odyssey. It reached English by 1750s as mentor. Broadened from the character's name to mean any trusted advisor. Today, mentor means an experienced and trusted advisor or teacher.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient Mentor "a trusted guide and advisor in myth", the wise friend entrusted to guide Odysseus's son in Homer's Odyssey.
- Stage 2 · English · 1750s mentor "a trusted advisor or teacher", broadened from the character's name to mean any trusted advisor.