noun

counsel

KOWN-suhl

noun

Advice or guidance, especially on an important or serious matter.

"She sought her mentor's counsel before accepting the job offer."

"The king relied on the counsel of his advisors."

A lawyer or group of lawyers representing someone, especially in court.

"The defendant's counsel requested a short recess."

verb

To give advice to someone, especially in a professional capacity.

"The therapist counseled him through his anxiety."

"She counseled patience rather than a hasty decision."

How to Use Counsel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAdvice given seriously — or, in law, the lawyer giving representation.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "council" (a governing body) — "counsel" is about advice or lawyers.

Easily confused with

council →

Common pairings

seek counsel legal counsel counsel of despair

counseled past tense, counselled past tense, counsels plural, counsel plural, counsels singular

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She sought her mentor's _____ before accepting the job offer.

From Old French conseil, from Latin cōnsilium, related to cōnsulō ("to consult, take counsel").