Council vs Counsel | Definition, Difference & Examples
Counsel and council are homonyms (words that are pronounced the same), but they mean different things.
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What does council mean?
The collective noun council is used to refer to a legislative or advisory body.
Examples: Council in a sentence
The city council convened to discuss the allocation of funds for community projects.
Local business leaders were invited to address the council and share their insights.
The council members debated the proposed tax changes during a lengthy session.
The city council convened to discuss the allocation of funds for community projects.
Local business leaders were invited to address the council and share their insights.
The council members debated the proposed tax changes during a lengthy session.
“Council” is often used as an attributive noun (a noun that functions like an adjective) to modify another noun (e.g., “member”). It can also be used after an attributive noun (e.g., “student council”).
What does counsel mean?
Counsel can be used as a verb to describe the act of giving advice to someone.
Examples: Counsel in a sentence (verb)
She needed to counsel her friend on the importance of wearing sunscreen.
The attorney will counsel the client on the best course of action.
It’s crucial for parents to counsel their children about online safety.
She needed to counsel her friend on the importance of wearing sunscreen.
The attorney will counsel the client on the best course of action.
It’s crucial for parents to counsel their children about online safety.
Counsel can also be used as a noun to refer to a lawyer or to mean “formal advice.”
Examples: Counsel in a sentence (noun)
His legal counsel advised him to plead “not guilty.”
The counselor offers emotional counsel to students dealing with stress and anxiety.
Seeking the counsel of a financial advisor can help you make investment decisions.
His legal counsel advised him to plead “not guilty.”
The counselor offers emotional counsel to students dealing with stress and anxiety.
Seeking the counsel of a financial advisor can help you make investment decisions.
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Frequently asked questions about council vs counsel
Is it legal counsel or council?
The correct version is legal counsel. In this context, counsel is used as a noun meaning “lawyer.”
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What is a synonym for counsel?
Synonyms or near synonyms for counsel include:
- To direct / direction
- To guide / guidance
- To instruct / instruction
The first options are synonyms for the verb “counsel,” and the second options are synonyms for the noun “counsel.”
You can find other synonyms for “counsel” with QuillBot's Paraphraser.
What is a synonym for council?
Council has several synonyms and near synonyms, including:
- Board
- Committee
- Panel
- Assembly
- Commission
You can find other synonyms for “council” with QuillBot's Paraphraser.
