Master vs. Apprentice — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 25, 2024
Master denotes a person with complete control or high skill, whereas an apprentice is a trainee learning under a master.
Difference Between Master and Apprentice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A master is recognized for their high level of skill in a particular craft or profession, commanding respect and authority in their field. In contrast, an apprentice is typically at the beginning of their career, actively engaged in learning the skills and knowledge from a master.
The relationship between a master and an apprentice is fundamentally educational, with the master providing guidance and expertise, while the apprentice absorbs and applies this knowledge practically.
Masters often have years, if not decades, of experience and have usually completed formal education and training in their field, whereas apprentices are in the process of receiving their education and gaining hands-on experience.
This experience under a master helps apprentices develop their skills to potentially become masters themselves in the future. In many trades and arts, this dynamic fosters the continuity of skills and traditions, with the master ensuring that the apprentice not only learns the techniques but also the underlying principles and ethics of the work.
Comparison Chart
Role
Expert and teacher
Learner and trainee
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Experience
Extensive, highly skilled
Limited, gaining skills
Objective
To teach and lead
To learn and gain experience
Level of Autonomy
High autonomy in decisions
Supervised, guided actions
Outcome
Imparts knowledge
Acquires knowledge
Compare with Definitions
Master
In artistic contexts, a master is someone who creates exemplary works.
He was considered a master in the art of sculpture.
Apprentice
Young and less experienced, an apprentice works at lower wages.
As an apprentice, he earned just enough to cover his basic expenses.
Master
Master can also refer to a male teacher.
The students respected the old master for his wisdom.
Apprentice
An apprentice often performs tasks while learning.
The apprentice mixed ingredients under the watchful eye of the chef.
Master
A master is an expert in a specific field.
A chess master can anticipate moves several turns ahead.
Apprentice
An apprentice is someone who learns a trade from a skilled employer.
The apprentice studied under a renowned blacksmith.
Master
In academic terms, a master is someone who has completed a master's degree.
She became a master in her field after completing her graduate studies.
Apprentice
Apprenticeships are common in hands-on professions.
She started as an apprentice in the tattoo shop.
Master
In historical contexts, a master had control over servants or apprentices.
The master of the house assigned tasks to his servants.
Apprentice
An apprentice may eventually become a master.
After years of training, the apprentice took over the workshop.
Master
The owner or keeper of an animal
The dog ran toward its master.
Apprentice
One bound by legal agreement to work for another for a specific amount of time in return for instruction in a trade, art, or business.
Master
The owner of a slave.
Apprentice
One who is learning a trade or occupation, especially as a member of a labor union.
Master
One who has control over or ownership of something
The master of a large tea plantation.
Apprentice
A beginner; a learner.
Master
An employer.
Apprentice
To work as an apprentice
She apprenticed at the ceramics studio.
Master
The man who serves as the head of a household.
Apprentice
To engage as an apprentice
In colonial times many children were apprenticed to craftsmen.
Master
One who defeats another; a victor
I had to admit that I had met my master and so conceded the game.
Apprentice
A trainee, especially in a skilled trade.
Master
One who acts out the role of the dominating partner in a sadomasochistic relationship.
Apprentice
(historical) One who is bound by indentures or by legal agreement to serve a tradesperson, or other person, for a certain time, with a view to learn the art, or trade, in which his master is bound to instruct him.
Master
The captain of a merchant ship. Also called master mariner.
Apprentice
(dated) One not well versed in a subject; a tyro or newbie.
Master
One whose teachings or doctrines are accepted by followers.
Apprentice
(transitive) To put under the care and supervision of a master, for the purpose of instruction in a trade or business.
His father had apprenticed him to a silk merchant.
He was apprenticed to a local employer.
Master
Master(Christianity) Jesus.
Apprentice
(transitive) To be an apprentice to.
Joe apprenticed three different photographers before setting up his own studio.
Master
A male teacher, schoolmaster, or tutor.
Apprentice
One who is bound by indentures or by legal agreement to serve a mechanic, or other person, for a certain time, with a view to learn the art, or trade, in which his master is bound to instruct him.
Master
One who holds a master's degree.
Apprentice
One not well versed in a subject; a tyro.
Master
An artist or performer of great and exemplary skill.
Apprentice
A barrister, considered a learner of law till of sixteen years' standing, when he might be called to the rank of serjeant.
Master
An old master.
Apprentice
To bind to, or put under the care of, a master, for the purpose of instruction in a trade or business.
Master
A worker qualified to teach apprentices and carry on the craft independently.
Apprentice
Works for an expert to learn a trade
Master
An expert
A master of three languages.
Apprentice
Be or work as an apprentice;
She apprenticed with the great master
Master
Used formerly as a title for a man holding a naval office ranking next below a lieutenant on a warship.
Apprentice
In training;
An apprentice carpenter
Master
Used as a title for a man who serves as the head or presiding officer of certain societies, clubs, orders, or institutions.
Master
Master Used as a title for any of various male officers having specified duties concerning the management of the British royal household.
Master
Master Used as a courtesy title before the given or full name of a boy not considered old enough to be addressed as Mister.
Master
(Archaic) Used as a form of address for a man; mister.
Master
One who is appointed to assist a court in the performance of certain legal functions, such as the taking of testimony and calculating damages in complex litigation. Also called special master.
Master
Master A man who owns a pack of hounds or is the chief officer of a hunt.
Master
An original, such as an original document or audio recording, from which copies can be made.
Master
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a master.
Master
Principal or predominant
A master plot.
Master
Controlling all other parts of a mechanism
A master switch.
Master
Highly skilled or proficient
A master thief.
Master
Being an original from which copies are made.
Master
To become very skilled in or knowledgeable about
Mastered the language in a year's study.
Master
To overcome or defeat
He finally mastered his addiction to drugs.
Master
To produce a master copy of (an audio or video recording, for example).
Master
Someone who has control over something or someone.
Master
The owner of an animal or slave.
Master
(nautical) The captain of a merchant ship; a master mariner.
Master
(dated) The head of a household.
Master
Someone who employs others.
Master
An expert at something.
Mark Twain was a master of fiction.
Master
A tradesman who is qualified to teach apprentices.
Master
(dated) A schoolmaster.
Master
A skilled artist.
Master
(dated) A man or a boy; mister. See Master.
Master
A master's degree; a type of postgraduate degree, usually undertaken after a bachelor degree.
She has a master in psychology.
Master
A person holding such a degree.
He is a master of marine biology.
Master
The original of a document or of a recording.
The band couldn't find the master, so they re-recorded their tracks.
Master
(film) The primary wide shot of a scene, into which the closeups will be edited later.
Master
(legal) A parajudicial officer (such as a referee, an auditor, an examiner, or an assessor) specially appointed to help a court with its proceedings.
The case was tried by a master, who concluded that the plaintiffs were the equitable owners of the property....
Master
A device that is controlling other devices or is an authoritative source.
A master wheel
A master database
Master
(freemasonry) A person holding an office of authority, especially the presiding officer.
Master
(by extension) A person holding a similar office in other civic societies.
Master
(BDSM) A male dominant.
Master
A vessel having a specified number of masts.
A two-master
Master
Masterful.
A master performance
Master
Main, principal or predominant.
Master
Highly skilled.
Master batsman
Master
Original.
Master copy
Master
(intransitive) To be a master.highly ambiguous, master in what sense?
Master
(transitive) To become the master of; to subject to one's will, control, or authority; to conquer; to overpower; to subdue.
Master
(transitive) To learn to a high degree of proficiency.
It took her years to master the art of needlecraft.
Master
To own; to possess.
Master
To make a master copy of.
Master
To earn a Master's degree.
He mastered in English at the state college.
Master
A vessel having (so many) masts; - used only in compounds; as, a two-master.
Master
A male person having another living being so far subject to his will, that he can, in the main, control his or its actions; - formerly used with much more extensive application than now.
Master
One who uses, or controls at will, anything inanimate; as, to be master of one's time.
Master of a hundred thousand drachms.
We are masters of the sea.
Master
One who has attained great skill in the use or application of anything; as, a master of oratorical art.
Great masters of ridicule.
No care is taken to improve young men in their own language, that they may thoroughly understand and be masters of it.
Master
A title given by courtesy, now commonly pronounced mĭster, except when given to boys; - sometimes written Mister, but usually abbreviated to Mr.
Master
A young gentleman; a lad, or small boy.
Where there are little masters and misses in a house, they are impediments to the diversions of the servants.
Master
The commander of a merchant vessel; - usually called captain. Also, a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next above ensign and below lieutenant; formerly, an officer on a man-of-war who had immediate charge, under the commander, of sailing the vessel.
Master
A person holding an office of authority among the Freemasons, esp. the presiding officer; also, a person holding a similar office in other civic societies.
Throughout the city by the master gate.
Master
To become the master of; to subject to one's will, control, or authority; to conquer; to overpower; to subdue.
Obstinacy and willful neglects must be mastered, even though it cost blows.
Master
To gain the command of, so as to understand or apply; to become an adept in; as, to master a science.
Master
To own; to posses.
The wealthThat the world masters.
Master
To be skillful; to excel.
Master
An artist of consummate skill;
A master of the violin
One of the old masters
Master
A person who has general authority over others
Master
A combatant who is able to defeat rivals
Master
Directs the work of other
Master
Presiding officer of a school
Master
An original creation (i.e., an audio recording) from which copies can be made
Master
An officer who is licensed to command a merchant ship
Master
Someone who holds a master's degree from academic institution
Master
An authority qualified to teach apprentices
Master
Key that secures entrance everywhere
Master
Be or become completely proficient or skilled in;
She mastered Japanese in less than two years
Master
Get on top of; deal with successfully;
He overcame his shyness
Master
Have dominance or the power to defeat over;
Her pain completely mastered her
The methods can master the problems
Master
Have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of;
Do you control these data?
Common Curiosities
What defines a master in a profession?
A master is defined by exceptional skill, experience, and knowledge in a profession, often with a role that includes teaching others.
How does one become an apprentice?
One becomes an apprentice by entering into a training agreement with a skilled employer or a master in the field to learn a trade or skill.
What responsibilities does a master have towards an apprentice?
A master is responsible for teaching the trade, providing supervision, and ensuring that the apprentice gains the necessary skills and knowledge.
Is the title of "master" recognized globally?
The recognition of the title "master" varies, but it is generally respected globally in many fields, particularly in trades and arts.
How are masters and apprentices paid?
Masters usually earn a salary commensurate with their expertise, while apprentices earn lower wages or stipends as they learn.
What legal protections do apprentices have?
Apprentices have legal protections that vary by country, typically including rights to a safe learning environment and fair wages.
What is the duration of an apprenticeship?
The duration of an apprenticeship can vary widely depending on the field, typically ranging from one to several years.
Can an apprentice bypass becoming a master?
Typically, an apprentice cannot bypass becoming a master without first gaining the necessary skills, experience, and sometimes certification.
Can apprentices specialize in a particular area under a master?
Yes, apprentices can specialize in a specific area under a master, depending on the master’s expertise and the opportunities available.
What is the historical importance of the master-apprentice relationship?
Throughout history, the relationship between a master and apprentice has been essential in the transmission of knowledge and skills.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
