Definition

Noun: A tutor; a person who provides one-on-one or small-group teaching in a specific skill or subject area, typically outside of a formal institutional setting. This instruction is often arranged and paid for privately by the student or their family.

Usage

A "private instructor" is hired to give personalized lessons. The term specifies the nature of the teaching relationship (private, paid) and is often followed by the subject taught. - She works as a private instructor for advanced mathematics. - To improve his accent, he hired a private instructor in French. - The university professor also serves as a private instructor for singing lessons.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used in a more formal or legal context to distinguish this role from public school teachers.
  • The contract clearly defined her responsibilities as a private instructor.
• It can imply a higher degree of customization and focus compared to group classes.
  • The private instructor tailored the curriculum to the student's specific goals.

Variants and Related Words

• Tutor (n.): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably. "Tutor" can sometimes imply academic subjects more broadly.
• Coach (n.): Often used for sports, acting, or public speaking instruction. A coach focuses on performance and improvement.
• Mentor (n.): Suggests a broader, often longer-term advisory relationship beyond just skill instruction.

Synonyms

• Tutor
• Coach
• Preceptor
• Teacher (in a private context)

Related Phrases

• Private tutor: A nearly identical phrase, perhaps slightly more common in everyday language.
  • He has a private tutor for chemistry.
• Personal instructor: Emphasizes the one-on-one, personalized aspect of the teaching.
  • She works with a personal instructor at the gym.

Noun

1. a person who gives private instruction (as in singing, acting, etc.)