wise counsel

Meanings

1. 1phraseuncountableformal

   Good and sensible advice, especially from someone experienced or professional.

   Grammar: Uncountable; often used with 'seek' or 'give': seek wise counsel.

   Patterns

   • seek wise counsel
   • give someone wise counsel

   Before making a big decision, it's wise to seek wise counsel.

   She gave me wise counsel about my career.

2. 2phrasecountablelegalformal

   A lawyer or legal adviser, especially in a formal or legal context.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in legal settings: a wise counsel.

   Patterns

   • a wise counsel
   • counsel for the defense

   The company hired a wise counsel to handle the case.

   He served as wise counsel to the board.

Common combinations

seek wise counsel

They sought wise counsel before investing.

give wise counsel

My grandfather always gave wise counsel.

take wise counsel

She took wise counsel from her mentor.

Synonyms and how they differ

advice

Advice is a general word for suggestions; wise counsel is more formal and emphasizes good judgment.

guidance

Guidance means help and direction; wise counsel often implies professional or legal advice.

Word family

counselor noun

A person who gives advice or guidance.

Commonly confused: wise counsel or council?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “wise counsel”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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