counsel

/ˈkaʊn.səl/
nounverbIntermediate
formal

Advice or guidance, especially from someone with expertise or experience.

The lawyer provided counsel on the legal implications of the contract.

The lawyer gave advice on the legal consequences of the contract.

💡

Often used in formal or professional contexts, such as legal or business settings.

formal

To give advice or guidance to someone.

The therapist counseled the patient on managing stress.

The therapist advised the patient on how to handle stress.

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When used as a verb, it implies providing professional or expert advice.

Collocations

legal counsela lawyer or legal advisorcounsel someoneto give advice to someonetake counselto seek advice

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

counsel of perfectionphrase
advice that is impossible to follow perfectly

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Use 'counsel' in formal contexts, such as legal or professional settings. For everyday advice, 'advice' or 'guidance' may be more appropriate.

Gold Rule

Noun vs. Verb

As a noun, 'counsel' refers to advice or guidance. As a verb, it means to give advice, often in a professional context.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'conseil,' meaning 'advice, deliberation,' from Latin 'consilium,' meaning 'plan, decision.'

📝Usage Notes

The noun 'counsel' is often used in formal contexts, such as legal or professional settings. The verb 'counsel' is less common in everyday speech and is typically used in formal or professional contexts.

Word Breakdown

con-
with, together
prefix
+
-sell-
to advise, deliberate
root
+
-el
suffix indicating action or state
suffix
English Dictionary