French word

protégé

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁoteʒe/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmentee

Example

Il a été son protégé pendant des années.

He was her mentee for years.

Illustration for protégé (mentee)

More examples

Elle a un protégé qui suit ses conseils.

She has a protégé who follows her advice.

Core concept

A person kept under a sponsor's protection and helped forward by that sponsor.

Common phrases

  • avoir un protégé

    have a protégé

  • son protégé

    his protégé

Similar words

favori: A person singled out for special liking and preferential treatment.
chouchou: A person warmly cherished by a close associate and given prominence.

Definition in French

Personne qui reçoit la protection, le soutien ou le patronage d'une autre personne, souvent favorisée dans sa carrière.

Word origin

Protégé is the noun use of the past participle of French protéger, from Latin protegere, meaning to cover or shield.

Usage tips

  • Protégé usually suggests patronage and special advancement, not simply a person receiving lessons from a teacher.

Other meanings

  • wardnoun
  • favoritenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word