Word of the Day : March 11, 2021

tutelary \TOO-tuh-lair-ee\ adjective

Definition

1 : having the guardianship of a person or a thing

2 : of or relating to a guardian

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 referred to guardianship or protection, but came to be used 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.

Aired March 11, 2021

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