instructor

instructor — noun

1. a person who gives lessons in a practical activity such as driving, swimming, or

1.名詞B1
釋義

a person who gives lessons in a practical activity such as driving, swimming, or skiing, often working one-on-one or with small groups

例句

Feng met his driving instructor twice a week until he passed the test.

collocation: driving instructor

The yoga instructor showed the class how to breathe correctly during each pose.

collocation: yoga instructor

同義詞
  • teacher

    broader term used for any kind of education, including academic subjects

  • coach

    focuses on improving performance in a sport or skill, often over a longer period

  • trainer

    emphasises building specific abilities, especially for fitness or professional tasks

反義詞
  • student

    the person receiving the instruction

  • learner

    someone who is being taught a practical skill

用法筆記

Commonly paired with a skill name that specifies the activity — e.g. driving instructor, ski instructor, or yoga instructor. Unlike teacher, which covers general academic subjects, instructor emphasises practical, hands-on training.

常見錯誤

❌I booked a driving lesson with my teacher.
✅I booked a driving lesson with my driving instructor.
💡For hands-on skills like driving, use 'instructor' rather than the general word 'teacher'.

2. a teaching staff member at a university or college who runs a particular course,

2.名詞B1
釋義

a teaching staff member at a university or college who runs a particular course, typically at a rank below professor

例句

Professor Barnes appointed Devika as the course instructor for the freshman writing programme.

collocation: course instructor

The history instructor asked each student to write a short essay every two weeks.

同義詞
  • lecturer

    more common in British and Commonwealth universities; may have a permanent or fixed-term contract

  • professor

    a higher academic rank, usually with tenure and research responsibilities

  • tutor

    gives more individual or small-group guidance, often as a supplement to lectures

反義詞
  • student

    the person enrolled in the course

用法筆記

This rank is common in North American universities and is typically below assistant professor. In British academic settings, 'lecturer' is the more usual term for a similar role.

常見錯誤

❌She is a university instructor at Harvard.
✅She is an instructor at Harvard.
💡Adding 'university' before 'instructor' is redundant because the term already implies a college or university setting.