Tutelary

Tutelary

ˈto͞odlˌerē

Adjective

  • Serving as a protector, guardian, or patron.
  • Relating to protection or a guardian.

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Example Sentences

“The state police provided tutelary services to the former governor.”

“Adam’s aunt was a tutelary presence in his childhood.”

“The guards are tutelary figures at the historic castle, even though no royalty lives there today.”

Word Origin

Latin, early 17th century

Why this word?

This word comes from the late Latin “tutelarius,” meaning “a guardian,” originally from the Latin “tutela,” meaning “protection, watching.” Theological history is filled with tutelary deities, who were deemed guardians of everything from a specific location or person to occupations. Athena, for example, was the patron goddess of the city of Athens and the goddess of peace, and Hephaestus was the god of artisans, blacksmiths, and carpenters (to name just a few things they were known for). Ancient Greek and Roman religions also believed in personal, tutelary gods for individuals from birth to death. In Christianity, the idea of “guardian angels” could be considered a type of tutelary figure.

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Learn a new word Eponymous

əˈpänəməs