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verb A2 Elementary Common

advise

uhd-VYZ

Advise (verb) means to give someone guidance or a recommendation about what to do. Example: “The lawyer advised her client to stay silent.”

verb
1
To give someone guidance or a recommendation about what to do.
"The lawyer advised her client to stay silent."
"I'd advise you to read the contract carefully before signing."
2
To formally inform or notify someone of something.
"Passengers are advised that the flight has been delayed."

How to Use Advise

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo give guidance, or to formally let someone know something.

Common mistake

Advise is the verb (pronounced with a "z" sound); advice is the noun (pronounced with an "s" sound). "She advised me" but "she gave me advice."

Easily confused with
Common pairings
advise against strongly advise advise someone to

Word Forms

advised past tense, advise plural, advised plural, advises singular, advise singular, advised singular, advisest singular, advisedst singular, adviseth singular

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Test yourself on “advise” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The lawyer _____ her client to stay silent.

Etymology

From Old French aviser, ultimately linked to Latin vīsus, "sight" — the same root behind advice.

Origin: Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for advise

See all rhymes for advise →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “advise” mean?

The word “advise” means to give someone guidance or a recommendation about what to do. In plain terms, to give guidance, or to formally let someone know something.

How do you pronounce “advise”?

“Advise” is pronounced uhd-VYZ (/ədˈvaɪz/ in IPA).

How do you use “advise” in a sentence?

Here is “advise” used in a sentence: “The lawyer advised her client to stay silent.”

What is another word for “advise”?

Words with a similar meaning to “advise” include admonish, adjure, advocate, counsel, encourage and urge.

What part of speech is “advise”?

“Advise” is a verb.

Where does the word “advise” come from?

The word “advise” comes from Latin. From Old French aviser, ultimately linked to Latin vīsus, "sight" — the same root behind advice.

Is “advise” a common word?

“Advise” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “advise” have?

“Advise” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to give someone guidance or a recommendation about what to do.

What is the difference between advise and advice?

Advise is a verb meaning to recommend or guide, and it ends in -se with a /z/ sound, as in "I advise you to wait." Advice is a noun meaning the guidance itself, ending in -ce with an /s/ sound, as in "good advice." You advise someone by giving them advice.

What is the difference between advise and inform?

Advise can mean to give guidance about what to do, or to formally notify someone, while inform only means to tell someone a fact. When advise means to notify, as in "please be advised," it overlaps with inform but sounds more formal.

Is advise formal or informal?

Advise leans formal, especially in its sense of officially notifying someone, as in "we regret to advise you" or "please be advised." In everyday speech people are more likely to say "tell," "let you know," or "suggest."

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