Counsel: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค
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counsel

 

[หˆkaสŠnsษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal advice

Advice; opinion or instruction given in directing the judgment or conduct of another.

Synonyms

advice, guidance, recommendation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
counsel

Typically used in formal or legal settings. It refers to professional advice given especially by a lawyer.

  • The attorney offered counsel on the legal matter
  • She sought counsel from a professional to navigate the issue
advice

Commonly used in everyday situations when someone is providing or asking for suggestions or opinions.

  • I need some advice on what to wear to the interview
  • Her advice helped me make a better decision
guidance

Used when referring to general direction or help in navigating decisions, often in educational or personal development contexts.

  • The mentor provided valuable guidance throughout my career
  • Guidance from teachers can help students succeed
recommendation

Used when giving or asking for suggestions about what should be done, especially in a more specific or professional context.

  • Based on your symptoms, my recommendation is to see a specialist
  • The committee gave their recommendation to approve the project

Examples of usage

  • She sought counsel from her lawyer before making a decision.
  • He provided valuable counsel on how to handle the situation.
Context #2 | Verb

to give advice

To give advice or guidance to someone.

Synonyms

advise, guide, recommend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
counsel

Used when referring to professional advice, often in legal or psychological contexts. It indicates a formal relationship and expertise.

  • The lawyer provided wise counsel to his client during the trial.
  • She sought counsel from a therapist to deal with her anxiety.
advise

Appropriate for giving suggestions or recommendations to someone, typically in a more formal or authoritative context. It implies that the person giving advice has some level of knowledge or authority.

  • The teacher advised the students to study hard for their exams.
  • I would advise you to take the early train to avoid traffic.
guide

Best used when indicating direction or leadership in both literal and metaphorical senses. It implies assistance in navigating a path or process.

  • A tour guide will guide you through the ancient ruins.
  • She was there to guide him through the complex application process.
recommend

Used to suggest a course of action, typically based on experience or expertise. It is often employed in situations where making a choice is involved.

  • I would recommend this restaurant for its delicious seafood.
  • The doctor recommended that he start a healthier diet.

Examples of usage

  • He counseled her to think carefully before making a choice.
  • The therapist counseled the patient on managing stress.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Latin 'consilium', meaning advice or plan.
  • It evolved through Old French 'conseil', which carried the same meaning of giving advice.
  • The spelling and pronunciation changed over time as it entered English in the late Middle Ages.

Legal Aspects

  • In legal terms, 'counsel' refers to a lawyer who gives advice and represents someone in court.
  • Counseling is a critical part of many legal systems, ensuring clients understand their options.
  • The term is often used in phrases like 'legal counselโ€™ which emphasizes its role in the law.

Psychology

  • Counseling psychology helps individuals address emotional, social, and developmental challenges.
  • Counselors often use techniques like active listening and empathy to facilitate discussions.
  • Effective counseling can lead to improved mental well-being and coping strategies.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict counselors as pivotal characters who help protagonists through personal crises.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes showcase counseling moments to provide guidance to contestants.
  • Self-help books frequently emphasize the value of seeking counsel for personal growth.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many cultures have traditional advisors, often termed counselors, who provide guidance in various aspects of life.
  • In Indigenous cultures, counsel is often sought from elders who hold wisdom and experience.
  • Counsel as a practice can vary widely across cultures, reflecting societal values about guidance and support.

Translations

Translations of the word "counsel" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น aconselhamento

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฒเคพเคน

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Beratung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ nasihat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะฝััƒะปัŒั‚ะฐั†ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ porada

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅŠฉ่จ€

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท conseil

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ consejo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tavsiye

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ƒ๋‹ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ุตูŠุญุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rada

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ rada

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅปบ่ฎฎ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nasvet

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rรกรฐgjรถf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะตาฃะตั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒฉแƒ”แƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mษ™slษ™hษ™t

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ consejo

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,822, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.