Guide

ɡaɪd

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To show or indicate the way to be followed; to lead.

ɡaɪd

verbneutralBeginner
General

To show someone the way; to lead or direct.

The GPS guided us to the correct destination.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to find a friend's house. To guide someone is like giving them directions – you show them the path so they don't get lost! For example, 'The map will guide you there.'

👶 For kids: To show someone where to go or what to do.

More Examples

2

She guided her students through the complex experiment.

3

A lighthouse guides ships safely to shore.

How It's Used

Travel

"The tour guide guided us through the ancient ruins."

Technology

"The software will guide you through the installation process."

2

A person who shows the way, especially to travelers or strangers.

ɡaɪd

nounneutralBeginner
Arts

A person who leads or shows the way.

The tour guide showed us around the historic city.

💡 Simply: Think about when you visit a new place – like a museum or a national park. A guide is a person who shows you around and tells you interesting things. They help you understand and have a better experience!

👶 For kids: Someone who shows you the way, like a tour person.

More Examples

2

He hired a local guide to explore the jungle.

3

The instruction manual serves as a guide for using the device.

How It's Used

Tourism

"The museum guide explained the history of the artifacts."

Outdoor Recreation

"A mountain guide led the hikers to the summit."

Tip:Think of a shepherd leading their flock; the guide is the leader.
3

A book, pamphlet, or other source of information providing instructions or advice; a manual.

ɡaɪd

nounneutralBeginner
Literature

A set of instructions or principles.

The recipe is a helpful guide to making the perfect cake.

💡 Simply: Sometimes you need instructions to do something, right? Well, a guide is like a rulebook or a set of helpful tips that helps you learn how to do something, like a manual for a video game or a cookbook.

👶 For kids: Something that helps you learn how to do something or where to go.

More Examples

2

The employee handbook provides a guide to company policies.

3

Use this manual as a guide for installation.

How It's Used

Business

"The company uses ethical guidelines as a guide for employee conduct."

Education

"The syllabus serves as a guide for the course."

Tip:Think of a 'how-to' book that guides you through a process step-by-step.

Idioms & expressions

Tour guide

A person who leads visitors around a place and explains the interesting things about it.

"We hired a tour guide to show us the city's historical sites."

Guide dog

A dog that has been trained to guide a blind or visually impaired person.

"The man's guide dog helped him cross the busy street."

From Middle English *gyden*, from Old French *guider* (to guide, lead), of Germanic origin, akin to Frankish *witan* (to know, see), from Proto-Germanic *wittōną* (to know).

Used extensively since the Middle Ages in its current meaning, related to leading or directing someone or something.

Memory tip

Think of a compass or map, always guiding you towards your destination.

guiedgydegide

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written