noun Uncommon

counsellor

KOWN-suh-luh

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Counsellor (noun) means a professional who counsels people, especially about personal problems, such as a therapist or a school counsellor. Example: “She saw a counsellor to talk through her anxiety.”

noun

A professional who counsels people, especially about personal problems, such as a therapist or a school counsellor.

"She saw a counsellor to talk through her anxiety."

"The school appointed a new counsellor for exam stress."

"He trained for two years to become a qualified counsellor."

formal A high-ranking diplomat, usually ranking just below an ambassador or minister.

"The counsellor represented the embassy at the trade talks."

"She was promoted from attaché to counsellor at the mission."

"The ambassador and the counsellor met with local officials."

How to use counsellor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone whose job is to listen to people and help them work through problems.

When to use it

Counsellor is the standard British and Canadian spelling; American English uses counselor.

Memory tip

Do not confuse counsellor, someone who gives advice, with councillor, a member of a local council.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

councillor →

Common pairings

school counsellor relationship counsellor seek a counsellor trained counsellor

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She saw a _____ to talk through her anxiety.

Etymology

Counsellor traces back through Middle English to Anglo-Norman and Old French words for someone who gives counsel, which in turn came from a Latin term meaning one who takes counsel, related to the Latin word for advice or plan.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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adviser

Related words

consultant advisor mentor adviser counselor

Rhymes for counsellor

Chancellor

See all rhymes for counsellor →

Frequently asked questions

What does counsellor mean?

A counsellor is someone whose job is to counsel people, most often helping them work through personal problems, though the word is also used for certain diplomats.

What is the difference between counsellor and counselor?

Counsellor and counselor mean the same thing; counsellor is the spelling used in British and Canadian English, while counselor is the American spelling.

What does a school counsellor do?

A school counsellor supports pupils with personal, emotional or educational difficulties, offering guidance alongside their teachers.

What is the meaning of counsellor?

"counsellor" (noun) means a professional who counsels people, especially about personal problems, such as a therapist or a school counsellor.

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consultant advisor mentor adviser counselor