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Synonyms

guide

American  
[gahyd] / gaɪd /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

    1. a person, animal, or thing that guides

    2. ( as modifier )

      a guide dog

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

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

  3. See guidebook

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

    a guide to better living

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

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

    2. ( in combination )

      guidepost

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

    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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Guide 2 British  
/ ɡaɪd /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of guide

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. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Folks for teach me, understand me, guide me.”

From Literature

Day and night, it guided a long, narrow piece of paper moving faithfully underneath a quivering black pen.

From Literature

If the stock market’s reaction to Kevin Warsh is any guide, it’s going to be a bumpy ride for investors over the next few months.

From MarketWatch

What follows is a guide to where we stayed, ate and wandered — and why Miami, even when it rains, is a place that knows how to celebrate.

From Salon

"Materials intended primarily for local communities" have also been produced in two languages, including a guide for volunteers, it told AFP.

From Barron's