A Word A Day — tutelary
Good morning, Netizens...
- tutelary
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- \TOO-tuh-lair-ee\
- DEFINITION
adjective
- EXAMPLES
The ancient Romans revered certain gods and goddesses as tutelary deities.
"You can see a similar restlessness in the range of C.K.'s influences.... Indie film pioneer John Cassavettes may be another tutelary spirit." — From a review by Adam Wilson in Salon.com, September 25, 2012
- DID YOU KNOW?
"Tutelary" derives from the Latin noun "tutelarius," meaning "guardian." "Tutelarius," in turn, was formed by combining the word "tutela" ("protection" or "guardian") and "-arius," a suffix that implies belonging and connection. A more familiar descendant of "tutela" in English might be "tutelage," which initially described an act or process of serving as a guardian or protector but has also come to refer to teaching or influence. If you suspect that "tutor" is also related, you are correct. "Tutelary" can also be a noun referring to a power (such as a deity) who acts as a guardian.