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Glite Dictionary
tutelar

tutelar

9.9
A guardian who watches over and protects people or places
  • adjective
  • /ˈtjuːtələr/
  • Literature
translation icon : tutelar
  • The order was established to serve a tutelar function for orphaned children.

Examples

  • The tutelar spirits are believed to protect the village.

  • The statue depicts a tutelar spirit watching over the ancient city.

  • She invoked the aid of the tutelar deities before the ceremony began.

  • Her tutelar role in the community is highly respected.

  • The tutelar statue in the temple is believed to protect the village from harm.

  • As a tutelar figure, she always looked out for the children's safety during their adventures.

  • The ancient book described a tutelar deity that watches over travelers in the forest.

Synonyms

custodial
vstutelar
24 6.4

Giving care and watching people or things to keep them safe

is broader and means general protection rather than only safekeeping of people or property
tutelary
vstutelar
  • Literature
1 9.9

Protecting and watching over people or places like a guardian

is a general protector focused on practical safeguarding rather than spiritual authority

Antonyms

neglectful
8 4.4

Not giving enough care or attention when something needs it

How Protective

tutelar
  • Literature
9.9
protective
163 2.4
custodial
24 6.4
vulnerable
581 4.0
unguarded
11 5.2

Surface Forms

tutelar positive

Morphology

tutelar = tutelary (opaque) = tutel + ar

A learned borrowing formed from Latin/French elements (tutel- + -ar) that are not productive or familiar to average learners, so the relation to common English words is not readily inferable.

Etymology

Tutelar comes from the Latin word tutela meaning 'guardianship' and is related to tutor, a person who looks after a student. So, something tutelar watches over or protects like a guardian.