noun · verb · 10 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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kounʹ-səl
/ˈkaʊn.səl/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -aʊnsəl
homophone: council
CMU ARPABET:K AW1 N S AH0 L
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
The exchange of opinions and advice especially in legal issues; consultation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
Exercise of judgment; prudence.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
Advice; guidance.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: exhortation, suggestion, admonition, advice, consent, counsel, recommendation, rede, tip
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
Deliberate purpose; design; intent; scheme; plan.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
A lawyer, as in King's Counsel (KC) or Queen's Counsel (QC).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: advocate, counselor, abogado, attorney, avocat, counsel, latitat, lawman, lawyer, legal representative, limb of the law, man of law
Antonyms: none provided
6
verb
Meaning 6
To give advice, especially professional advice, to (somebody).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
The lawyer counselled his client to remain silent.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals counsel clients.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
verb
Meaning 7
To recommend (a course of action).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
I would counsel prudence in this matter.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
8
noun
Meaning 8
something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: guidance, counseling, counselling, direction
From Middle English counseil, conseil, from Old French conseil, from Latin cōnsilium, of unknown origin but possibly from either com- + calō (via a phonetic variant of concilium) or cōnsulō.
From Middle English counseilen, from Old French conseiller, from Latin cōnsilior, from cōnsilium.
Across languages
Translations
129 source translations are retained for this English entry.
