protégé

/ˈprɒ.tə.ʒeɪ/ French Origin General

Original Word

protégé

French

Entered English

18th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "protégé"

From French 'protégé', past participle of 'protéger' (to protect), from Latin 'protegere'. A person who is guided and supported by an older, more experienced mentor. The female form is 'protégée'.

Example Usage

"The young scientist was the protégé of a Nobel Prize-winning researcher."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More French Loanwords

debris — débris General · 18th century cul-de-sac — cul-de-sac General · 19th century en route — en route General · 18th century sabotage — sabotage General · Early 20th century déjà vu — déjà-vu Psychology · Early 20th century entrepreneur — entrepreneur Business · 19th century fiancé — fiancé Culture · 19th century café — café Food & Drink · 19th century