Council and counsel sound identical when spoken, which is exactly why they get mixed up in writing. One is a group of people. The other is advice.
A council is an official group of people who meet to make decisions or give advice, like a city council.
council full definition →
Counsel means advice, or the act of giving advice. It can also mean a lawyer, as in "legal counsel."
counsel full definition →
| council | counsel | |
|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | A group of people | Advice, or a person who advises |
| Part of speech | Always a noun | Noun or verb |
| Simple test | "the city council" is a group | "seek counsel" means seek advice |
A council is a group that governs or decides. Counsel is advice, or the person who gives it. If you can swap in "group," use council. If you can swap in "advice," use counsel.
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