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Glite Dictionary
prentice

prentice

2 9.9
A person who works for an expert to learn a trade
  • noun
  • /ˈprɛntɪs/
  • Archaic
translation icon : aprendiz
  • As a prentice, her duties included sweeping the workshop and fetching tools for the tradesmen.

Examples

  • And you, Meredydd, bring two changes of clothing and anything else you think a Prentice might need along the road.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • You're a Prentice and the object of your life is to attach yourself to the Merl.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Meredydd nodded, feeling a sudden, almost fond pity for the Aelder Prentice.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Across the aisle from where she sat with Osraed Bevol and Skeet, Prentice Brys and his family glared at her.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Now Splungeon, this 'ere's Master 'Oel, and as willing an 'prentice as ever I’ve taught.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • The young prentice was eager to learn the trade from his master.

  • In medieval times, a prentice would typically serve for several years before becoming a skilled craftsman.

Synonyms

apprentice
vsprentice
97 3.4

A person who learns a trade by working for a skilled worker

is mainly used in historical contexts rather than in modern usage
trainee
vsprentice
50 2.4

A person learning the skills needed for a job

focuses on traditional trade learning under an expert often in historical contexts

Antonyms

master
791 4.2

A person who is very skilled in an activity or art

How Experienced

master
791 4.2
journeyman
9 7.0
prentice
  • Archaic
2 9.9
beginner
81 1.0

Surface Forms

prentice singular
prentices plural

Etymology

Prentice is an old short form of apprentice, and it comes from an old French verb prendre meaning 'to take'. So a prentice was someone 'taken' into a master's house or workshop to learn a trade, which is why it means a learner who works for an expert.