Words / B1

in-STRUKT-uh/ɪnˈstrʌktə/

An instructor teaches a practical skill: a driving instructor; a fitness instructor; a ski instructor. A teacher is wider and often school-based; a lecturer is university; a trainer can be sport or workplace. Instruct is the verb. Instruction is already in the dictionary. Do not call a history lecturer an instructor unless the college uses that title.

Meaning

A person who teaches a practical skill, such as driving or sport.

Examples

• “The driving instructor asked her to reverse around the corner.”
• “Her driving instructor booked the test for a quiet Tuesday morning.”
• “The gym instructor corrected his squat before he hurt his back.”

Good to know

driving / fitness / ski instructor. School: teacher. University: lecturer. Workplace/sport: trainer. Practical skills, not every teacher.

Near in meaning

trainer

New