counsel

KOWN-suhl/ˈkaʊn.səl/

Pluralcounsels (some meanings), counsel (some meanings)

Often confused with council

7 meanings of counsel

1
noununcountable
Helpful advice that someone gives to guide a choice.
Like a map someone gives you when you don't know which road to take.
My grandmother's counsel helped me choose the right job.
He offered wise counsel when I felt lost.
Similaradvice, guidance, direction, recommendation
Note
2
nouncountable or uncountable
A lawyer who speaks for someone in court.
Like having an expert speak for you when you don't know the rules.
Both sides hired skilled counsel before the trial.
She acted as counsel for the family in court.
Similarlawyer, barrister, attorney, advocate
Note
3
verbtransitive
To give someone advice, often as part of a job.
Like a guide who walks beside you and points out the safer path.
The teacher counsels students who are unsure about their future.
A doctor should counsel patients about the risks.
Similaradvise, guide, coach
Note
4
verbtransitive
To suggest something as a good thing to do.
Like a friend telling you the best move to make in a game.
Experts counsel patience when learning a new skill.
Her doctor counseled rest after the surgery.
Similarrecommend, advise, urge, advocate
Note
5
noununcountable
A meeting where people share opinions and advice, often about legal matters.
Like talking things over with others before you make a big choice.
The elders gathered in counsel to settle the dispute.
After much counsel with her advisors, she reached a decision.
Similarconsultation, deliberation, discussion
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6
noununcountable
Good sense and care shown in making choices.
A wise ruler governs with counsel and patience.
She acted with counsel instead of anger and waited a day before she replied.
Similarjudgment, prudence, wisdom, discretion
Oppositerashness, imprudence
7
noununcountable
A secret plan or purpose that someone keeps in mind.
Like a hidden plan you keep to yourself until the right time.
She kept her own counsel about the move.
No one guessed his secret counsel until the plan unfolded.
Similarplan, purpose, intention, design
Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of counsel apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 1–2, 5–7

It came through Old French conseil from Latin cōnsilium, related to the verb cōnsulō meaning 'to consult'.

Meanings 3–4

It came through Old French conseiller from Latin cōnsilior, which comes from cōnsilium.