Advise: meaning, definitions and examples

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advise

[ədˈvaɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in giving recommendations

To recommend or suggest a course of action or choice.

Synonyms

counsel, recommend, suggest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
advise	Note: This example is a repeated term. Already contextualized above.
recommend	Used when suggesting something as a good or suitable option. It is often less formal than 'advise'. I would recommend trying the new Italian restaurant downtown. Teachers often recommend reading these books to improve vocabulary.
suggest	Used when offering an idea or plan for consideration, often in a casual or informal setting. Can you suggest any good movies? I suggest we leave early to avoid traffic.
counsel	Often used in a legal or psychological context where professional or personal guidance is given. The therapist counseled him through his anxiety issues. She sought the counsel of her legal advisor before making the decision.

Examples of usage

He advised her to take a break and relax.
I advise you to read this book, it's very informative.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in giving advice

To give guidance or counsel to someone.

Synonyms

counsel, direct, guide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
advise	Appropriate in formal or professional settings where someone gives recommendations or suggestions. The doctor advised me to rest for a few days. She advised him to take the job offer.
counsel	Used in situations involving giving advice in a more legal, emotional, or psychological context. The lawyer will counsel you on the legal matters. He sought counsel from his therapist.
guide	Ideal for less formal situations where someone is helping someone else make decisions by providing information and support. The tour guide showed us around the city. Parents should guide their children in making the right choices.
direct	Best for situations where someone is giving clear, authoritative instructions or commands. The coach directed the players to run five laps. She was directed to the manager's office.

Examples of usage

She advised him on how to approach the situation.
I advise against making hasty decisions.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

recommendation

An opinion or recommendation offered as a guide to action or conduct.

Synonyms

counsel, guidance, recommendation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
advise	Use in situations where someone gives suggestions or opinions to help someone make a decision. Commonly used in both personal and professional contexts. She advised him to start saving money The doctor advised her to get plenty of rest
recommendation	Suggested use for situations where specific advice or suggestions are given based on a situation or experience. Often used in professional or consumer settings. Based on her recommendation, they visited the new restaurant The manager gave a recommendation for the best candidate
guidance	Specifically used when referring to help or advice that directs someone to take specific actions or make decisions, often in an educational or developmental setting. The students received guidance from their teacher on how to approach the project Parental guidance is important for children's development
counsel	Often used in professional or legal contexts, where formal advice or guidance is needed. It can also imply a deeper, more serious form of advice. The lawyer provided legal counsel to her client He sought counsel from his mentor about his career path

Examples of usage

His advice was to seek professional help.
The teacher's advice helped me improve my grades.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old French 'aviser', which means 'to consider' or 'to see clearly'.
Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'visĭo', meaning 'seeing or vision', highlighting its thoughtful nature.
Originally, the term implied careful consideration before making a recommendation.

Psychology

Studies show people often seek advice not just for solutions but to feel supported in their choices.
Seeking advice is linked to better decision-making as it provides different perspectives and reduces anxiety.
Listening to advice can improve emotional well-being, particularly when people feel overwhelmed.

Business

In the corporate world, soliciting advice is essential for strategic planning and risk management.
Mentorship programs thrive on the concept of providing advice to foster career growth and development.
Consultants are professionals specifically hired to give expert advice on various business strategies.

Literature

In many classic tales, wise mentors provide crucial advice to protagonists, guiding them on their journeys.
Famous quotes about advice appear in works like Shakespeare's, emphasizing its importance in decision-making.
Modern novels often explore the tension between characters’ advice and personal desires.

Cultural Perspectives

In various cultures, elders are often seen as providers of wisdom, dispensing advice based on their life experiences.
Some cultures emphasize group decision-making over individual advice, reflecting a communal approach to challenges.
Social media has transformed how people give and receive advice, making it more accessible yet often less personal.

Translations

Translations of the word "advise" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aconselhar

🇮🇳 सलाह देना

🇩🇪 beraten

🇮🇩 menasihati

🇺🇦 радити

🇵🇱 doradzać

🇯🇵 助言する

🇫🇷 conseiller

🇪🇸 aconsejar

🇹🇷 tavsiye etmek

🇰🇷 조언하다

🇸🇦 ينصح

🇨🇿 radit

🇸🇰 radiť

🇨🇳 建议

🇸🇮 svetovati

🇮🇸 ráðleggja

🇰🇿 кеңес беру

🇬🇪 რჩევა

🇦🇿 məsləhət vermək

🇲🇽 aconsejar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,600, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4597 rejection
4598 publicly
4599 emerging
4600 advise
4601 condemned
4602 slide
4603 proven
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