tutelary
|tu-te-la-ry|
🇺🇸
/ˈtuːtəlɛri/ or /ˈtuːt(ə)ɹəri/
🇬🇧
/ˈtjuːt(ə)ləri/
guardian / protecting
Etymology
'tutelary' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tutela', where the root 'tut-' (from 'tuēri') meant 'to guard, to watch over' and the suffix '-ary' denoted 'pertaining to'.
'tutelary' developed via Late Latin (tutellarius / tutela- + -arius) and entered Middle English (tutelary), passing through Romance-language forms; the sense remained tied to guardianship and protection.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to guardianship' and over time it retained that core sense, now applied to guardians, protecting spirits, or things pertaining to guardianship.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a guardian, protector, or patron, especially a deity or spirit believed to watch over a place, person, or institution (a tutelary spirit/deity).
Many households had a tutelary who was called on in times of danger.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
serving as a guardian or protector; relating to guardianship or supervision (e.g., a tutelary deity or a tutelary responsibility).
The village honored its tutelary deity each spring.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/27 01:35