Council vs. counsel: what's the difference?
Though they sound identical, council and counsel have distinct meanings and uses in English. Understanding the difference is crucial for clear communication.
- Council (noun) — a group of people elected to govern an area (city, county, etc.), or a group that meets to make rules or discuss issues.
- Counsel (noun or verb) — as a noun, advice or legal representation; as a verb, the act of giving advice.
Definitions and usage
Council (noun)
A group of people elected or appointed to govern, make decisions, or provide guidance.
• The city council voted on the new budget.
• We have appointed a council to oversee these matters.
• The student council organized the event.
Counsel (noun/verb)
Noun: Advice or guidance
Verb: To give advice or guidance
• He provided wise counsel to the team.
• She sought legal counsel before signing.
• I will counsel you on this matter.
Pro tip! Remember that council = "C" for Committee (think of a group of people meeting in a chamber), while counsel = "S" for Suggestion (think of someone giving you advice or suggestions).
Synonyms & nearby words
Synonyms for council
Synonyms for counsel
Word origins
"Assembly of persons for consultation, deliberation or advice," early 12c., originally in the Church sense, from Anglo-French cuncile.
Related forms: c. 1200 "advice or instruction given"; c. 1300 "mutual advising or interchange of opinions, consultation," from Old French counseil "advice, counsel; deliberation, thought" (10c.), from Latin consilium "plan, opinion".
Practice quiz: Council vs. Counsel
The city ______ voted to approve the new park.
She sought legal ______ before signing the contract.
The student asked for the teacher's ______ about college choices.
He was elected to the town ______ last year.
Her lawyer offered valuable ______ during the trial.
FAQs
What is the difference between council and counsel?
Is "counsel" always a noun?
What does 'council' mean?
Can 'counsel' (advice) be plural?
Give an example using 'counsel'
Sources
-
Oxford English Dictionary, "chamber (n.)," September 2025, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/6770697123.
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