DictionaryRoot: -er
English

-er

a person or thing that does something

Forms

  • -er
  • -r — Used after some bases ending in e.

Origin

Old English -ere, generally traced through Germanic to Latin -arius.

Note

It can name a tool as readily as a person. The comparison ending in taller has a different history.

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noun

teacher

Someone who helps others learn, especially as a profession.

Our teacher explains fractions using slices of a paper pizza.

Etymology

The older verb means showing or instructing. The agent ending names the person guiding others toward knowledge or skill.

More examples

  • My piano teacher helps me practice difficult passages.
  • The teachers meet after school to plan lessons.
  • You don't need a classroom to be a good teacher.

Forms

teacher · teachers

teach verb — Help someone gain knowledge or skills.

Similar words

instructor
Often teaches a specific skill or practical subject.
tutor
Usually teaches one person or a small group.
educator
Broader professional term that can include school administrators.