guidance

American  

[gahyd-ns] / ˈgaɪd ns /

noun

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

• nonguidance
  noun
• preguidance
  noun
• self-guidance
  noun

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

It said West Lothian Council had approved non-statutory planning guidance, and Dumfries and Galloway Council produced similar guidance in 2020.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

One factor in the updated guidance was the sale of Hormel’s whole-bird turkey business, which is expected to reduce full-year net sales by around $50 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Synopsys also raised its full-year revenue guidance to a midpoint of $9.67 billion, up from previous guidance of $9.6 billion.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

For the full fiscal year, the company raised its product-revenue guidance to $5.84 billion from $5.66 billion.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

This NAfME post addresses both issues and gives guidance to mediate its effects in the classroom.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

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