counselor
Counselor (noun) means a trained professional who helps people work through personal, emotional, or career problems. Example: “The school counselor helped her choose which colleges to apply to.”
How to use counselor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who gives professional guidance — whether therapeutic, legal, or as a camp supervisor.
American English spells this "counselor"; British English uses "counsellor" with a double L.
Word forms
counselors plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The school _____ helped her choose which colleges to apply to.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman cunseiler, ultimately from Latin cōnsilium ("advice, plan").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for counselor
See all rhymes for counselor →Frequently asked questions
What does “counselor” mean?
The word “counselor” means a trained professional who helps people work through personal, emotional, or career problems. In plain terms, someone who gives professional guidance — whether therapeutic, legal, or as a camp supervisor.
How do you pronounce “counselor”?
“Counselor” is pronounced KOWN-suh-luh (/ˈkaʊnsələ(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “counselor” in a sentence?
Here is “counselor” used in a sentence: “The school counselor helped her choose which colleges to apply to.”
What part of speech is “counselor”?
“Counselor” is a noun.
Where does the word “counselor” come from?
The word “counselor” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman cunseiler, ultimately from Latin cōnsilium ("advice, plan").
Is “counselor” a common word?
“Counselor” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “counselor” have?
“Counselor” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a trained professional who helps people work through personal, emotional, or career problems.
What is the difference between counselor and councillor?
A counselor is a trained professional who helps people with personal, emotional, or career problems, or a lawyer representing clients in court, while a councillor is an elected member of a local government council. Despite sounding alike, the two words refer to entirely different roles.
What is the difference between a counselor and a therapist?
A counselor typically helps people work through specific personal, emotional, or career problems, often over a shorter term, while a therapist may address deeper or longer-term psychological issues. In some contexts the terms overlap, but counselor is also used for legal and camp-supervision roles that therapist is not.
Why is a lawyer sometimes called a counselor?
A lawyer is sometimes called a counselor, especially in court, because the term refers to someone who represents and advises a client, particularly in legal proceedings.