Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

apprentice

/əˈpɹɛntɪs/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.70 in modern English

Syllables
ap-pren-tice
IPA
/əˈpɹɛntɪs/
16
Scrabble Score
10
Letters
3
Syllables
8
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

One who is bound by indentures or by legal agreement to serve a tradesperson, or other person, for a certain time, with a view to learn the art, or trade, in which his master is bound to instruct him.

noun

One not well versed in a subject; a tyro or newbie.

Dated

verb

To put under the care and supervision of a master, for the purpose of instruction in a trade or business.

Transitive verb

verb

To be an apprentice to.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Middle English apprentice, apprentesse, apprentyse, apprentis, from Old French aprentis, plural of aprentif, from Old French aprendre (verb), Late Latin apprendō, from Classical Latin apprehendō. Compare typologically Latin discipulus (akin to capiō); Russian ухвати́ть (uxvatítʹ), нахвата́ться (naxvatátʹsja), схва́тывать на лету́ (sxvátyvatʹ na letú), and, for another aspect, быть на подхва́те (bytʹ na podxváte) (both akin to хвата́ть (xvatátʹ)).

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: apprentice, aprentis, aprendre, apprendō, apprehendō

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce apprentice?
The recorded pronunciation is /əˈpɹɛntɪs/.
What does apprentice mean?
A trainee, especially in a skilled trade.
Where does apprentice come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce apprentice

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “apprentice”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/əˈpɹɛntɪs/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “apprentice”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “apprentice” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.