guidance

American  

[gahyd-ns] / ˈgaɪd ns /

noun

• guidances
  plural

1. the act or function of guiding; leadership; direction.

   Synonyms:

   government, control, supervision, conduct, management

2. advice or counseling, especially that provided for students choosing a course of study or preparing for a vocation.

3. supervised care or assistance, especially therapeutic help in the treatment of minor emotional disturbances.

4. something that guides.

5. the process by which the flight of a missile or rocket may be altered in speed and direction in response to controls situated either wholly in the projectile or partly at a base.

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guidance British  

/ ˈɡaɪdəns /

noun

1. leadership, instruction, or direction

2. 1. counselling or advice on educational, vocational, or psychological matters

   2. ( as modifier )

      the marriage-guidance counsellor

3. something that guides

4. any process by which the flight path of a missile is controlled in flight See also guided missile

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonguidance
  noun
• preguidance
  noun
• self-guidance
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• guidances
  plural

Etymology

Origin of guidance

First recorded in 1765–75; guide + -ance

Explanation

Guidance can mean steering (like the navigation system in a satellite) or the act of providing direction (like a guidance counselor does). Back in the 1530s, guidance started out meaning "the process of directing conduct," similar to what we think of when we think of parents, mentors, or counselors. If you've ever asked a friend for advice on what to wear, you were seeking their guidance. But guidance also applies to physical direction. We might use a global positioning system (GPS) for guidance when we drive. Years ago, sailors relied on the stars for guidance. Sherpas provide guidance to climbers hiking Mt. Everest so they don't get lost.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

guidance guidances

"I urge all New Jerseyans to take this storm seriously, stay alert, and follow local guidance," Governor Mikie Sherrill said.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

He announced the launch of “Smithsonian Cares,” a digital resource that would “provide tools and guidance to empower and inspire conversations about diversity, equity, access and inclusion.”

From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2026

That same day, a plane from China landed in Tehran carrying electronics components that can be used to make parts for drones and missile guidance systems, according to Iranian customs data analyzed by the Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026

In grief, people don’t need opinions or guidance so much as they just need a witness.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 24, 2026

Was he praying for guidance in the coming war?

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines tempered their guidances for the year to reflect volatile fuel prices.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

With no increase in hospitalizations in South Africa—and only about 1,200 cases per day—he advised the government against setting stricter guidances than the country already has.

From Scientific American ● Apr. 18, 2022

The Labor Department spokeswoman said, “OSHA’s current guidances, standards and regulations fully outline the rights and protections of workers from dangers such as the coronavirus.”

From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2020

"Administrations come and go, and so do guidances, and there's not a permanency there," she said.

From Science Magazine ● Jan. 9, 2020

Diligent to flatter the lion; will provide him guidances, and fractional sustenances, in view of the coming hunt; will eat the lion's leavings, once the prey is slaughtered.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 19 by Thomas Carlyle

Related Words

• advice
• direction
• instruction
• intelligence
• leadership
• management
• navigation
• supervision
• teaching