Words / B1

KOWNSL/ˈkaʊnsl/

Counsel is advice, especially legal advice, and also a barrister in court (Queen’s/King’s Counsel). Council is the local authority (already in the dictionary) — the high-frequency mix-up. Counsellor is a therapist (already in the dictionary). Settlements: seek counsel before you sign.

Meaning

Advice, especially legal advice; also a barrister in court.

Examples

• “Seek counsel before you sign the settlement.”
• “Counsel for the trust addressed the court; the council funds the social worker, which is the spelling contrast.”

Good to know

legal counsel; counsel for the defence. Mix-up: council (local government). Therapist: counsellor. Courts. Uncountable advice; a counsel = a barrister in reports.

New