Counsel

Pronunciation

• enPR: kounʹ-sÉ™l, IPA: /ˈkaÊŠn.sÉ™l/
• Homophones: council

Origin

Middle English counseil, from Old French conseil, from Latin cōnsilium; akin to cōnsulō ("take counsel, consult").

Full definition of counsel

Noun

1. The exchange of opinions and advice; consultation.
• Bible, Matthew xxvii. 1All the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, to put him to death.
2. Exercise of judgment; prudence.
• HookerThey all confess, therefore, in the working of that first cause, that counsel is used.
3. Advice; guidance.
• ShakespeareI like thy counsel; well hast thou advised.
• TennysonIt was ill counsel had misled the girl.
4. Deliberate purpose; design; intent; scheme; plan.
• Bible, Psalms xxxiii. 11The counsel of the Lord standeth forever.
• Bible, Proverbs xii. 5The counsels of the wicked are deceit.
5. (obsolete) A secret opinion or purpose; a private matter.
• Gowerthilke lord ... to whom no counsel may be hid
6. A lawyer, as in Queen's Counsel (QC).

Synonyms

Verb

1. To give advice, especially professional advice.The lawyer counselled his client to remain silent.Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals counsel clients.
2. To recommend

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