apprentice
n. · v.-
1 a trainee in a trade (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatesomeone who works for a master or expert to learn a practical skill or trade.
a person employed to learn a skilled trade through practical experience under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
ExampleThe young apprentice spent the morning learning how to cut wood from the master carpenter.
ExampleAs a plumbing apprentice, he spent four days a week on-site with a mentor and one day at a technical college completing his certifications.
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2 a beginner (n.) C1 Advanced Literarya person who is new to a subject and does not have much experience yet.
an inexperienced person or novice in a particular field of study or activity.
ExampleIn the world of politics, he was still an apprentice compared to the older leaders.
ExampleThough a master of the violin, he felt like a mere apprentice when he first attempted to compose an original symphony.
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3 to place as a trainee (v.) C1 Advanced Formalto send someone to work for a master so they can learn a trade.
to bind or assign someone to a master or employer for the purpose of instruction in a craft or business.
ExampleIn the past, many children were apprenticed to local bakers or tailors at a young age.
ExampleThe family decided to apprentice their eldest son to a reputable printer in the city to ensure he learned a sustainable trade.
UsageOften used in the passive voice with 'to'.
- indenture
- assign
From Middle English apprentice, apprentesse, apprentyse, apprentis, from Old French aprentis, plural of aprentif, from Old French aprendre (verb), Late Latin apprendō, from Classical Latin apprehendō. Compare typologically Latin discipulus (akin to capiō); Russian схва́тывать на лету́ (sxvátyvatʹ na letú), and for another aspect быть на подхва́те (bytʹ na podxváte) (both akin to хвата́ть (xvatátʹ).
- Nounapprentice
- Nounapprenticeship