What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guru
Example
He's a marketing guru who has helped many companies increase their sales. [guru: noun]
Example
She's considered a guru in the world of fashion, with years of experience and expertise. [guru: noun]
mentor
Example
My mentor at work has been instrumental in helping me navigate my career path. [mentor: noun]
Example
She mentored me through the process of starting my own business, providing valuable insights and advice. [mentored: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mentor is more commonly used than guru in everyday language. Mentor is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while guru is less common and may be associated with a more specialized or niche area.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guru and mentor?
While guru is typically associated with a more formal or traditional tone, mentor can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word for ESL learners to use in their everyday conversations and writing.
