What is the Feminine Gender of a Protégé? (Protégé Opposite Gender)

Protégé vs. Protégée: A Clear Comparison

This table explains the important spelling difference for these gendered terms.

What is a Protégé?

A protégé (with one 'e' at the end) is a man or boy who is taught, guided, and supported by an older, more influential person in the same field. This mentor helps the protégé advance their career.

What is a Protégée?

A protégée (with a double 'ee' at the end) is the feminine equivalent. She is a woman or girl who receives the same kind of guidance and support from a mentor.

Understanding French Loanwords

The words 'protégé' and 'protégée' come directly from French. In French, it is common to add an extra 'e' to a word to make it feminine. English has kept this spelling for a few words. Another common example is:

• Fiancé: A man to whom one is engaged.
• Fiancée: A woman to whom one is engaged.

The pronunciation for both protégé and protégée is the same.