Counsel Meaning
/ˈkaʊn.səl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe exchange of opinions and advice especially in legal issues; consultation.
nounExercise of judgment; prudence.
Sentence Examples
Recently numerous groups have offered counsel.
He makes himself accessible to all who seek his counsel.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The lawyer offered legal ____ to the defendant before the trial began.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Recently numerous groups have offered ____.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English counseil, conseil, from Old French conseil, from Latin cōnsilium; akin to cōnsulō (“take counsel, consult”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Bleſſed is that man that hath not walked in the counſaile of the vngodly: nor ſtand in the waye of ſynners, and hath not ſit in the ſeate of ſkornefull."
— 1549 March 7, Thomas Cranmer [et al.], compilers, “The Introites, Collectes, Epistles, and Gospels to be Used at the Celebracion of the Lordes Supper & Holy Communion, throughe the Yeare: With Proper Psalmes, and Lessons for Diuers Feastes and Dayes”, in The Booke of the Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacramentes, […], London: […] Edowardi Whitchurche […], →OCLC, folio viia, recto:
"All the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, to put him to death."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Matthew 27:1:
"They all confess, therefore, in the working of that first cause, that counsel is used."
— [1594], Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, […], London: […] Iohn Windet, […], →OCLC, (please specify the page):
"I like thy counsel; well hast thou advised."
— c. 1590–1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iii]:
"This Book will make a Travailer of thee, / If by its Counſel thou wilt ruled be; / It will direct thee to the Holy Land, / If thou wilt its Directions understand: / Yea, it will make the ſloathful, active be; / The Blind alſo, delightful things to ſee."
— 1678, John Bunyan, “The Author’s Apology for His Book”, in The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World, to That which is to Come: […], London: […] Nath[aniel] Ponder […], →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The lawyer offered legal ____ to the defendant before the trial began.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Recently numerous groups have offered ____.