counsel
/ˈkaʊn.səl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkaʊn.səl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkau̇n(t)-səl/ (ame, mw) · /ˈkaʊnsl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkaʊnsl/ (ame, ipa)
counsel — verb
- counselpresent simple I / you / we / they
- counsels3rd person singular
- counseling-ing form
- counselledpast simple
1. to talk with someone about a personal or emotional difficulty and give them your
to talk with someone about a personal or emotional difficulty and give them your opinion on what you believe would help them most
The school hired a professional to counsel students about dealing with exam stress.
counsel + object + about + noun phrase
Jisoo's doctor counseled her to reduce her daily caffeine intake.
counsel + object + to-infinitive
The priest counseled the young couple against making a hasty decision.
Hugo was counseled by his supervisor on how to handle difficult clients.
A grief specialist counsels families who have lost a loved one.
- mislead
to give someone wrong guidance
文法句型
counsel + object + to-infinitive
counsel + object + about/on + noun phrase
counsel + object + against + noun phrase
counsel + object (passive: be counseled)
用法筆記
This verb is most common in professional contexts such as therapy, healthcare, religious guidance, or education. It implies listening carefully before offering support — stronger and more personal than 'advise', which is used for practical or business recommendations.
常見錯誤
counsel — noun
1. opinions or suggestions that a person you respect or an expert shares with you a
opinions or suggestions that a person you respect or an expert shares with you after listening carefully to your situation
Before signing the contract, Tamar sought legal counsel from a qualified lawyer.
collocation: seek legal counsel
The village elders offered wise counsel to the newly elected leader.
collocation: offer counsel
Nkechi's mother always gives her sound counsel about career choices.
In difficult times, Harper would turn to a close friend for counsel.
The king rejected the counsel of his ministers and declared war anyway.
- advice
everyday word; less formal and does not imply a trusted or expert source
- guidance
emphasises ongoing direction rather than a single piece of advice
- recommendation
specific to endorsing a course of action
文法句型
seek + counsel
offer + counsel
take + counsel
counsel + on/about
用法筆記
Use 'counsel' rather than 'advice' when the guidance comes from a position of trust, expertise, or authority — such as from a lawyer, therapist, elder, or spiritual leader. 'Advice' is the everyday word for any helpful suggestion.
常見錯誤
2. a lawyer or a group of lawyers who represent one person or organisation in court
a lawyer or a group of lawyers who represent one person or organisation in court and give legal guidance to that side
The defense counsel asked the witness a series of detailed questions.
collocation: defense counsel
Joaquín's counsel advised him to accept the plea bargain.
Counsel for the prosecution presented DNA evidence to the jury.
The judge told both counsel to approach the bench for a private discussion.
Sade decided to hire separate counsel for the property dispute.
文法句型
defense counsel
prosecution counsel
counsel for the defense
counsel for the prosecution
用法筆記
The word 'counsel' does not change form for plural — 'one counsel' and 'three counsel' are both correct. In British English, 'counsel' typically refers to a barrister; in American English it can refer to any lawyer representing a client in a case.