guru
B2Neutral to informal; formal in religious contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A respected spiritual teacher or guide, especially in Hinduism or Buddhism.
An expert or authority in a particular field who is regarded as a source of wisdom and guidance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has undergone semantic broadening. Its primary religious sense remains, but its dominant contemporary use is metaphorical, describing secular expertise. Using it for a spiritual teacher carries greater weight and formality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slightly more common in business/tech contexts in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, the secular use can be slightly informal and sometimes ironic (e.g., 'fitness guru'). The religious sense is consistently formal and respectful.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects. The metaphorical use is dominant in general media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[guru] of [field] (the guru of marketing)[guru] on [topic] (a guru on digital transformation)regard/consider someone as a [guru]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Someone] is the guru of [something].”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common for influential thinkers (e.g., 'a leadership guru'). Can be used sincerely or with mild hyperbole.
Academic
Rare, except in religious studies or when discussing influential theorists metaphorically.
Everyday
Common for hobby or lifestyle experts (e.g., 'gardening guru'). Tone can be casual or slightly humorous.
Technical
Used in IT/computing for a highly skilled person (e.g., 'Unix guru').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He's been guruing around the conference, giving everyone unsolicited advice.
American English
- She gurued her way through the startup scene, landing a book deal.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard) He spoke guru-ly about market trends.
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard) She advised him guru-style.
adjective
British English
- He has a sort of guru-like status in the community.
- They attended a guru-led meditation retreat.
American English
- She's seen as the guru figure everyone consults.
- It was a guru-approved diet plan.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My yoga teacher is like a guru to me.
- She is a cooking guru and has her own TV show.
- The company hired a management guru to overhaul their organisational structure.
- Though hailed as a marketing guru, his latest predictions proved to be profoundly misguided.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A guru is a guide for YOU. Think: "GOOD-ROUTE" – a guru shows you the good route in life or work.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPERTISE IS SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE (The transfer of knowledge is like the transfer of spiritual wisdom).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'гуру', which is a direct borrowing and used identically. No major trap, but note the metaphorical use is more established in English than in Russian general usage.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for any ordinary teacher or instructor (overuse diminishes its weight).
- Pronouncing it /ˈdʒuː.ruː/ (as in 'gym').
- Misspelling as 'guroo' or 'guruh'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'guru' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. The term is gender-neutral (e.g., 'a fitness guru', 'a spiritual guru').
Generally no, it's a standard metaphorical extension. However, in deeply religious contexts, using it lightly for a trivial topic could be seen as disrespectful by some.
A 'mentor' has a more defined, ongoing personal relationship. A 'guru' implies a higher level of revered, often public, authority and wisdom, not necessarily a personal connection.
Informally, yes (e.g., 'guruing around'), but it's considered non-standard and often humorous or slightly critical. Use cautiously.