guide

[gahyd]

verb (used with object)

guided, guiding 

1. to assist (a person) to travel through, or reach a destination in, an unfamiliar area, as by accompanying or giving directions to the person.

   He guided us through the forest.

   Synonyms: escort, steer, pilot
   Antonyms: follow

2. to accompany (a sightseer) to show points of interest and to explain their meaning or significance.

3. to force (a person, object, or animal) to move in a certain path.

4. to supply (a person) with advice or counsel, as in practical or spiritual affairs.

5. to supervise (someone's actions or affairs) in an advisory capacity.

   Synonyms: rule, govern, manage, regulate

noun

1. a person who guides, especially one hired to guide travelers, tourists, hunters, etc.

   Synonyms: conductor, director, pilot

2. a mark, tab, or the like, to catch the eye and thus provide quick reference.

   Synonyms: clue, key, indication, signal, sign

3. a guidebook.

4. a book, pamphlet, etc., giving information, instructions, or advice; handbook.

   an investment guide.

5. a guidepost.

6. a device that regulates or directs progressive motion or action.

   a sewing-machine guide.

7. a spirit believed to direct the utterances of a medium.

8. Military.,  a member of a group marching in formation who sets the pattern of movement or alignment for the rest.

guide

¹

/ ɡaɪd /

verb

1. to lead the way for (a person)

2. to control the movement or course of (an animal, vehicle, etc) by physical action; steer

3. to supervise or instruct (a person)

4. (tr) to direct the affairs of (a person, company, nation, etc)

   he guided the country through the war

5. (tr) to advise or influence (a person) in his standards or opinions

   let truth guide you always

noun

1. 1. a person, animal, or thing that guides

   2. ( as modifier )

      a guide dog

2. a person, usually paid, who conducts tour expeditions, etc

3. a model or criterion, as in moral standards or accuracy

4. See guidebook

5. a book that instructs or explains the fundamentals of a subject or skill

   a guide to better living

6. any device that directs the motion of a tool or machine part

7. 1. a mark, sign, etc, that points the way

   2. ( in combination )

      guidepost

8. spiritualism a spirit believed to influence a medium so as to direct what he utters and convey messages through him

9. 1. navy a ship in a formation used as a reference for manoeuvres, esp with relation to maintaining the correct formation and disposition

   2. military a soldier stationed to one side of a column or line to regulate alignment, show the way, etc

Guide

²

/ ɡaɪd /

noun

1. US equivalent: Girl Scout. (sometimes not capital) a member of an organization for girls equivalent to the Scouts

Other Word Forms

• guidable adjective
• guideless adjective
• guider noun
• guidingly adverb
• nonguidable adjective
• preguide verb (used with object)
• reguide verb (used with object)
• unguidable adjective
• guiding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of guide¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English giden (verb), gide (noun), from Old French gui(d)er (verb), gui(d)e (noun), from Germanic; akin to wit ² ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of guide¹

C14: from (Old) French guider, of Germanic origin; compare Old English wītan to observe

Example Sentences

The appellate judges said they were guided by a precedent set in the 9th Circuit this summer, when California tried and failed to wrest back control of federalized soldiers in and around Los Angeles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“This earnings season could be particularly stabilizing for the stock market too, if the last few seasons are any guide.”

Read more on Barron's

While they are based on work with animal models, they will guide future treatment strategies for chronic infection and cancer treatment.

Read more on Science Daily

Choose from a number of free newsletter options at MarketWatch, including Need to Know, which provides a guide to the trading day.

Read more on MarketWatch

I’m guided down a wood-flanked hallway, an array of around 80 spices and herbs displayed in large jars at its end.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accompany 
• advise 
• educate 
• escort 
• govern 
• handle 
• influence 
• instruct 
• manage 
• maneuver 
• navigate 
• oversee 
• regulate 
• see 
• shepherd 
• steer 
• supervise 
• sway 
• teach 
• train 

When To Use

What are other ways to say guide?

To guide someone is to assist them in traveling through or in reaching a destination by accompanying them or giving them directions. How does guide compare to synonyms conduct, direct, and lead? Find out on Thesaurus.com.