Guidance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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guidance

[ˈɡaɪdəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in life

Guidance is help and advice that is given to someone about their work, education, or personal life.

Synonyms

advice, counsel, direction, instruction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
guidance	Used when someone needs help or leadership in navigating a situation or making decisions, often from an authoritative or experienced figure. She sought guidance from her mentor on how to advance her career. The project will move forward under the guidance of a new team leader.
advice	Appropriate when giving suggestions or recommendations to someone on what they might do in a situation, generally in a more casual or friendly setting. Her friend gave her some advice on how to save money. The doctor offered advice on how to improve his diet.
direction	Often used when referring to instructions on how to do something or guidance on where to go, generally involving a specific course of action. The teacher gave clear direction on how to complete the assignment. She asked for direction to the nearest train station.
counsel	Commonly used in more formal or serious contexts, often involving legal or professional guidance. It can also mean psychological or emotional support. He sought the counsel of a lawyer before making a decision. She offered counsel to the students during the difficult times.
instruction	Usually refers to detailed steps or orders on how to do something, often in educational, training, or procedural settings. The manual provided clear instructions on how to assemble the furniture. He followed the instructions carefully to avoid making mistakes.

Examples of usage

She sought guidance from her teacher on how to improve her writing skills.
The company provides guidance to its employees on career development opportunities.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in religion

Guidance is divine direction or advice provided by a higher power or spiritual source.

Synonyms

counsel, direction, enlightenment, inspiration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
guidance	Used when someone needs help or advice to make decisions or understand something better. She sought guidance from her mentor on how to handle the new project. The library provides guidance on how to conduct thorough research.
direction	Best used when someone needs to know the way to go, both literally and figuratively. She gave me direction to the nearest subway station. We're looking for some direction on how to complete this project successfully.
counsel	Generally used in professional or legal settings, where formal advice is given. It can also refer to therapy or psychological support. He sought counsel from his lawyer before signing the contract. The patient appreciated the counsel received during therapy sessions.
inspiration	Appropriate when someone needs motivation or creative ideas. Her speech gave us all the inspiration we needed to pursue our dreams. Artists often seek inspiration from nature.
enlightenment	Refers to gaining deep understanding or spiritual insight, often in a philosophical, religious, or educational context. Many people go on retreats seeking enlightenment. The book offers enlightenment on various aspects of human psychology.

Examples of usage

Many people turn to prayer for guidance in times of need.
The guru offered spiritual guidance to his followers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

In schools, guidance counselors help students understand their options and make choices about their future.
Educational guidance includes career advice, academic support, and personal development.

Psychology

Guidance can lead to increased self-esteem, as individuals feel more supported and understood when making decisions.
Research shows that people who receive mentorship or guidance often perform better in their careers.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, elders provide wisdom and guidance to younger generations, showing the importance of community.
Religious texts often offer guidance on moral decisions and living a good life, reflecting societal values.

Technology

Many apps and software provide guidance through tutorials and prompts, helping users learn how to use new features.
AI-assisted tools can offer guidance in areas like health and education, personalizing the experience for users.

Origin of 'guidance'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French 'guidance', which meant 'act of leading or showing the way'.
It can be traced back to the Latin 'guidare', meaning 'to lead', connecting to ideas of direction and support.

The word 'guidance' originated from the Old French word 'guider' meaning 'to guide or lead'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the act of guiding or directing someone. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader sense of providing assistance, advice, or direction in various aspects of life.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,841, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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