severalize between homophone is tricky in world-wide , but some distich at least have all unrelated definitions : peakandpeek , for lesson , oridleandidol .
Such is unfortunately not the case withcouncilandcounsel , which both involve advising . So what ’s the difference — and how can you keep the terms straightforward ?
Counselcan either be a noun or a verb . As a noun , it ’s basically a equivalent word foradvice . If you ’re asking someone for advice , you ’re seeking their counsel . you may also usecounselas a noun to describe one or more legal advisers . If someone says that you ’re gentle to counselling , they most belike intend that you ’re allowed a lawyer . If the government appoints aspecial counsel , they ’ve tasked a lawyer with investigating a certain affair . In brusk , if you ’re talking about lawyer , the word you ( plausibly ) want is counsel . seek to retrieve thatlawyerandcounselboth have ane .
As a verb , counselessentially means “ to give advice . ” you may advise your friend to take the route less travel . Someone who counsels students about what classes to take is a guidance counselor .
What you ca n’t do is council someone — becausecouncilcan only ever be a noun , never a verb . A council is a group of the great unwashed ( councilors ) who convene for any yield purpose . The general purpose of city council and student council , for case , is to make decisions about how their community should function . InThe Lord of the Rings : The Fellowship of the Ring , the Council of Elrond put together for one very specific purpose : to settle what to do with the One Ring .
Yes , council often give advocate — but if you ’re talking about the chemical group of multitude itself , the news you want iscouncil . endeavor to remember other words containing “ cil ” that council legal proceeding so often involve : Peoplevacillateback and forward between one course of action and another , and two factions may have toreconciletheir conflicting view in order of magnitude to reach consensus . Maybe you make it outpencilsso people can vote on an subject ; maybe the meeting takes so long that you decide to arrange lunch , and a couple councilors ask for nocilantroin the guacamole .
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