Counsel means advice or to give advice. A council is a group that meets to make decisions or recommendations. You can seek someone’s counsel before addressing a council.
Compare advice and the group
- “Jin sought her mentor’s counsel before taking the job.” The noun means advice.
- “Her mentor counseled her to ask about the schedule.” The verb means advised.
- “The town council voted to extend library hours.” The noun names the group that voted.
Recognize counsel in a legal context
In “The company consulted its legal counsel,” counsel refers to a lawyer or legal team. The group that governs a town or represents students is a council.
Try it
“The student ___ sought a teacher’s ___ before changing its meeting rules.”
Show the answer
Use council for the student group and counsel for the teacher’s advice.
See also Grammar in Professional Communication.
