"Counsel" vs. "Council"

Decisions, decisions. At one point or another, we've all needed advice on something that perplexed us. The words "council" and "counsel" in English have distinct meanings that help us discuss them, despite their similar sounds. So read on to ditch the doubts and make better decisions with confidence.

"Counsel"

"Counsel" has a dual meaning. As a noun, it means advice or suggestions given by one person to another, especially in a professional context. It can also denote a lawyer or a group of lawyers conducting a case. Here's how it is used:

"I received helpful counsel from my mentor."

"The counsel's advice guided me through tough times."

"He sought legal counsel before signing the contract."

When "counsel" is used as a verb, it means to provide advice or suggestions to someone. This guidance can be based on expertise, experience, or simply a desire to assist.

"She counseled her friend on how to deal with stress."

"The therapist counseled him to practice mindfulness techniques."

"He counseled his employees to prioritize work-life balance." 

"Council"

"Council" refers to a group of people chosen or elected to make decisions on specific issues, often in a government or organization. For example, a city council might vote on new rules about where buildings can be constructed. Examples include:

"The school council meets next week."

"The council's decision was unanimous."

“The council is responsible for maintaining public parks.”

"Council" can also mean a group of older people who give advice and make decisions in some communities.

"The village council gathered to make important decisions."

"The tribal council met to decide on matters affecting the indigenous community."

"The council of elders provided wisdom and guidance to the younger generation."

So, the next time you're seeking wise counsel or attending a council meeting, you'll know exactly which word to use. This simple distinction can make all the difference in in ensuring your points come across flawlessly.

Don't click away just yet! There's a lot more fun content in our "Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs" series. Enjoy!