counsel
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for counsel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Advice or guidance, especially on an important or serious matter.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use counsel
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French conseil, from Latin cōnsilium, related to cōnsulō ("to consult, take counsel").
Full origin of counsel →Frequently asked questions
What does “counsel” mean?
The word “counsel” means advice or guidance, especially on an important or serious matter. In plain terms, advice given seriously — or, in law, the lawyer giving representation.
How do you pronounce “counsel”?
“Counsel” is pronounced KOWN-suhl (/ˈkaʊn.səl/ in IPA).
How do you use “counsel” in a sentence?
Here is “counsel” used in a sentence: “She sought her mentor's counsel before accepting the job offer.”
What part of speech is “counsel”?
Depending on how it is used, “counsel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “counsel” come from?
The word “counsel” comes from Latin. From Old French conseil, from Latin cōnsilium, related to cōnsulō ("to consult, take counsel").
Is “counsel” a common word?
“Counsel” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “counsel” have?
“Counsel” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: advice or guidance, especially on an important or serious matter.
What is the difference between "counsel" and "council"?
These are homophones with different meanings. "Counsel" means advice, or a lawyer who gives it, while "council" is a group of people who meet to make decisions, such as a town council. If you mean guidance or a lawyer, use "counsel."
What is the difference between "counsel" and "counselor"?
"Counsel" is the advice itself, or a lawyer representing someone in court. A "counselor" is a person who gives counsel or guidance, such as a school or camp counselor, and in some legal systems also means an attorney.
What is the difference between "counsel" and "advice"?
Both mean guidance, but "counsel" tends to be more formal and is used for serious or weighty matters, often from someone with authority or expertise. "Advice" is the everyday, general word for suggestions on what to do.
In law, what does "counsel" refer to?
In a legal context, "counsel" means a lawyer or group of lawyers representing someone, especially in court. You might hear "defense counsel" or "consult with counsel" to refer to legal representation.