counsel

Etymology

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

noun

  1. The exchange of opinions and advice especially in legal issues; consultation.
  2. Exercise of judgment; prudence.
  3. Advice; guidance.
  4. Deliberate purpose; design; intent; scheme; plan.
  5. A lawyer, as in King's Counsel (KC) or Queen's Counsel (QC).

verb

  1. (transitive) To give advice, especially professional advice, to (somebody).
    The lawyer counselled his client to remain silent.
    Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals counsel clients.
  2. (transitive) To recommend (a course of action).
    I would counsel prudence in this matter.
    He counseled his daughter to resist the lure of hatred and bitterness. 2019, Colson Whitehead, The Nickel Boys, Fleet, page 10

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