Definition of Apprentice
Quick Meaning of Apprentice
A person who is learning a job or skill by working under the guidance of an experienced worker. Apprentices learn by doing the work and getting trained.
Detailed Definition of Apprentice
A person who is learning a skilled trade or profession from an experienced employer; someone in formal training for a craft or occupation.
How to Pronounce Apprentice
Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: uh-PREN-tis. The first syllable is unstressed (schwa), and the 'tis' at the end sounds like 'tiss' not 'tiz'.
Watch out: Some speakers mispronounce it as 'app-REN-tice' with stress on the first syllable, or say 'app-PREN-tis' without the full schwa sound at the beginning.
Origin and Etymology of Apprentice
From Old French 'apprentis', derived from 'apprendre' (to learn); originally referred to someone bound by contract to learn a trade over several years.
How to Use Apprentice in a Sentence
Each example shows “apprentice” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The apprentice learns carpentry skills by working alongside a master craftsman.”
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“Many countries have apprenticeship programs where young people earn wages while learning a trade.”
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“As an apprentice electrician, she studied electrical theory and gained practical experience on job sites.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Apprentice
Common Synonyms for Apprentice
Smart Synonyms for Apprentice — When to Use Each
- trainee
- A person undergoing training in a profession
- journeyman
- A qualified worker who has completed apprenticeship
- novice
- Someone new to and inexperienced in a skill
Common Collocations with Apprentice
These phrases pair with “apprentice” in everyday English:
- apprentice program
- apprentice to
- apprentice plumber
- serve an apprenticeship
- become an apprentice
Common Mistakes When Using Apprentice
Even fluent speakers slip up with “apprentice”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The apprentice is learning to the master.
- ✓ Correct: The apprentice is learning from the master.
- Why: Use 'learn from' (preposition), not 'learn to'; 'to' would suggest learning a language or a specific action, not a skill from a person.
- ✗ Wrong: She apprenticed on carpentry.
- ✓ Correct: She apprenticed in carpentry.
- Why: Use 'apprentice in' a trade or field, not 'apprentice on'; 'on' is not the correct preposition here.
- ✗ Wrong: The apprentices are very experience.
- ✓ Correct: The apprentices are gaining experience.
- Why: 'Experience' is typically a noun; use 'gaining experience' or 'experienced' (adjective) for this context, not 'very experience' (which is not grammatical).
Other Forms of Apprentice
- Noun: apprentice
- Verb: apprentice
Frequently Asked Questions About Apprentice
What is the meaning of "Apprentice"?
A person who is learning a job or skill by working under the guidance of an experienced worker. Apprentices learn by doing the work and getting trained.
How do you pronounce "Apprentice"?
The IPA is /əˈprɛntɪs/. Stress the second syllable: uh-PREN-tis. The first syllable is unstressed (schwa), and the 'tis' at the end sounds like 'tiss' not 'tiz'.
What part of speech is "Apprentice"?
"Apprentice" is a noun at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Apprentice"?
Common synonyms include trainee, learner, student.
How do you use "Apprentice" in a sentence?
For example: "The apprentice learns carpentry skills by working alongside a master craftsman."