counsel
KOWN-suhl
Counsel (noun) means Advice or guidance, especially on an important or serious matter. Example: “Before making such a big decision, I would value your counsel.”
noun
1
Advice or guidance, especially on an important or serious matter.
"Before making such a big decision, I would value your counsel."
"She sought her mentor's counsel before accepting the job offer."
"The king relied on the counsel of his advisors."
2
A lawyer or group of lawyers representing someone, especially in court.
"Counsel for the company told the judge that her client would appeal."
"If you cannot afford counsel, the court may appoint one for you."
"The defendant's counsel requested a short recess."
verb
1
To give advice to someone, especially in a professional capacity.
"Teachers often counsel students who are worried about their exams."
"The therapist counseled him through his anxiety."
"She counseled patience rather than a hasty decision."
How to use counsel
Learner’s notesIn 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
Common pairings
seek counsel
legal counsel
counsel of despair
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Word forms
- Plural
- counsels
- Third person singular
- counsels
- Past tense
- counseled, counselled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Before making such a big decision, I would value your _____.
Etymology
From Old French conseil, from Latin cōnsilium, related to cōnsulō ("to consult, take counsel").
Synonyms
View more →
advice
guidance
direction
recommendation
attorney
advocate
counselling
counsellor
pleader
counselor
counseling
advise
Related words
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.
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