Council or counsel?
Council and counsel are both nouns; though the latter has a verb form. Despite that these words sound the same, they are different (but related).
The city council has approved the new budget. .
She counseled him to seek professional help. .
The lawyer gave her some good councils. .
Counsels were given to the young couple. .
- Council (noun) can describe a “a group of people who are elected to govern an area such as a city or county”. Also, relatedly, it can refer to a group of people that meet to make rules or laws and discuss issues.
- Counsel (noun or verb) as a noun, it can refer to advice that’s been given to someone, or to legal representation in court. As a verb, it refers to the act of giving advice.
“Council”, used in sentences
| Examples: “council”, used in sentences |
|---|
| Students should apply to their local council for a grant.
Residents have complained to the council about the noise. She has been working for the council since March. In Britain, the Arts Council gives grants to theatres. |
“Counsel”, used in sentences
| Examples: “counsel”, used in sentences |
|---|
| According to his doctor’s counsel, he needs to eat less red meat.
The defendant claimed he lost the case because of his bad counsel. He is there to give you counsel on all matters. Listen to the counsel of your elders. |
Council, synonyms
- assembly
- board
- body
- cabinet
- chamber
- clan
- committee
- conclave
- confab (a conversation)
- conference
- congregation
- congress
“council” vs. “counsel,” associate “council” with “councils” (a group of people) and “counsel” with advice or guidance; note that “counsel” is uncountable as a noun.
Counsel, synonyms
- admonition
- advice
- advisement
- caution
- consideration
- consultation
- deliberation
- direction
- instruction
- guidance
Word origin (of council/counsel)
“Assembly of persons for consultation, deliberation or advice,” early 12c., originally in the Church sense, “assembly of prelates and theologians to regulate doctrine and discipline,” from Anglo-French cuncile.
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”.
Read about other misused words
| Commonly misused words | UK English vs. US English |
|---|---|
| former vs. latter | burned or burnt? |
| bear with vs. bare with | color or colour? |
| breathe or breath | favorite vs. favourite |
| compliment vs. complement | smelled or smelt? |
| effect vs. affect | gray or grey? |
| elude or allude | favor vs. favour |
| it’s or its | analyze or analyse? |
Sources
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionary on “council” and “counsel”. Accessed 11 March, 2024.
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of council.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/council. Accessed 12 March, 2024.
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of counsel.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/counsel. Accessed 12 March, 2024.
Work Sheet
According to the post, what is the primary meaning of the noun “council”?
Which word has both a noun and a verb form, according to the post?
Based on the post, which word refers to advice given to someone?
According to the post, what is a common mistake when using “counsel” as a noun referring to advice?
The post suggests associating “council” with:
The city met to discuss the new regulations.
He needs to eat less red meat, according to his doctor’s .
The lawyer gave her some good .
She him to consider his options carefully.
Residents have complained to the local about the noise levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference: council vs counsel?
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Is “counsel” always a noun?
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What does ‘council’ mean?
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Can ‘counsel’ (advice) be plural?
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Give an example using ‘counsel’.
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Yash, D. "Council or Counsel? (Meaning, Usage + Examples)." Grammarflex, Jun 3, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/council-or-counsel-meaning-usage-examples/.
