Counsel
'kaʊnsəl
Definitions
3 meaningsAdvice, especially that given formally or authoritatively.
'kaʊnsəl
Advice or guidance.
The therapist provided counsel to the grieving family.
💡 Simply: Counsel is like getting good advice, especially when you're in a tough spot. Imagine you need help figuring out what to do, so you ask a wise friend for their counsel, and they give you some great ideas.
👶 For kids: Counsel is like when someone gives you good advice, like your mom or dad telling you what to do.
More Examples
He acted on the counsel of his mentor.
Seeking professional counsel is often a good first step when starting a business.
How It's Used
"The lawyer offered legal counsel to his client."
"She sought counsel from a trusted friend about her problems."
A barrister or other legal advisor conducting the prosecution or defense in a case.
'kaʊnsəl
A lawyer or group of lawyers.
The counsel for the prosecution made a strong argument.
💡 Simply: Counsel can also be a lawyer or a team of lawyers. They help people with legal issues. Think of a lawyer in court, they're the counsel.
👶 For kids: Counsel can also be a grown-up who helps people with problems in court.
More Examples
She hired experienced counsel to represent her.
The defendant's counsel objected to the evidence.
How It's Used
"The defense counsel presented their case to the jury."
Give advice to (someone) on their conduct or plans.
'kaʊnsəl
To give advice.
The teacher counseled the student about their behavior.
💡 Simply: To counsel is to give someone advice, like when a friend helps you figure out your problems. Think of a counselor at school helping students deal with difficult situations.
👶 For kids: When you counsel someone, you are giving them advice.
More Examples
The doctor counseled the patient on lifestyle changes.
I counseled her to seek help.
How It's Used
"She counseled her friend on the best way to resolve the conflict."
"A therapist counsels patients."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
seek counsel
To ask for or look for advice.
"She sought counsel from a financial advisor before making the investment."
From Old French *counsel* and Latin *consilium* meaning 'plan, advice, deliberation'.
Historically, the term 'counsel' has been used in both legal and advisory contexts, dating back to medieval times.
Memory tip
Think of a wise owl providing counsel.