Counsel Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkʌn.səl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who gives expert or professional advice, especially a lawyer or a medical expert, to help someone make a decision or solve a problem.

Examples

• The client sought the counsel of a financial advisor to plan for retirement.
• The doctor offered counsel to her patient on how to manage symptoms of a chronic condition.

Synonyms

• Advice
• Guidance
• Expert opinion

Antonyms

• Obstruction
• Obstructionism
• Invalid judgment

Etymology

The word “counsel” comes from the Old French “conseil”, meaning “advice” or “counsel”, which is derived from the Latin “consilium”, meaning “counsel” or “advice”.

Additional Information

Counsel is often used to describe the process of seeking or providing expert guidance, advice, or direction. It can also refer to the result of counseling, such as a plan or decision made as a result of seeking counsel. In the context of law, counsel typically refers to the legal representation provided by an attorney. In other fields, such as healthcare, counsel may refer to medical advice or guidance. Overall, counsel is an important concept in various aspects of life where expert advice is sought or provided to achieve a certain outcome.

Usage Notes

Counsel is a nuanced term that can be used in various contexts. In formal or professional settings, it is often used to describe legal or medical advice. In informal settings, it can refer to general guidance or direction. When seeking counsel, it is important to clarify the level of expertise and the scope of the advice being sought.

Cultural References

Counsel has been featured in various cultural references, including literature, film, and music. For example, in the book “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown, the character Silas has a deep understanding of Ancient Church Councils and is often referred to as “The Counsel”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Counsel of perfection” refers to advice that is considered ideal or idealistic but difficult to achieve. “Seek counsel” means to ask for advice or guidance.

Related Words or Phrases

• Advice
• Guide
• Adviser
• Consult

Collocations

• Counsel with an expert
• Take counsel
• Seek medical counsel
• Get legal counsel

Frequency of Use

Counsel is a relatively infrequent word in modern language, but it is essential in specific contexts such as law, medicine, and academia.

Common Misspellings

• Counsul
• Konsul
• Konsel