Guideline
/ˈɡaɪdlaɪn/
Definitions
A general rule or principle providing direction or advice.
/ˈɡaɪdlaɪn/
A general rule, principle, or piece of advice.
The company's guidelines for dress code are very specific.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building something with LEGOs. The instructions are like guidelines—they show you the best way to put the bricks together so you can build what you want.
👶 For kids: A guideline is like a rule that helps you do something the right way.
More Examples
These are just guidelines; you can make your own modifications.
Follow the safety guidelines to avoid injury.
How It's Used
"Companies use guidelines to ensure consistent practices."
"Doctors follow clinical guidelines for treatment."
"Judges use sentencing guidelines to determine appropriate punishments."
Idioms & expressions
follow the guidelines
To adhere to a set of rules or instructions.
"Employees are expected to follow the guidelines outlined in the handbook."
set the guidelines
To establish or define the rules or principles.
"The committee was responsible for setting the guidelines for the new project."
From "guide" (verb) + "line" (noun). The concept implies a linear direction or set of instructions to follow.
The word 'guideline' saw increased usage in the late 20th century with the rise of organizational management and procedural documentation.