advice

advice — noun

1. helpful ideas from another person about the best thing to do in a difficult or i

1.nounA2
Definition

helpful ideas from another person about the best thing to do in a difficult or important situation.

Example

Before signing the lease, Nina asked her aunt for advice.

pattern: ask for advice

The doctor gave Sam clear advice about his sore knee.

pattern: advice about + noun

Common collocations
  • ask for advice
  • give advice
  • offer advice
  • take advice
  • follow advice
  • a piece of advice
Synonyms
  • suggestion

    a common near-synonym; often sounds lighter and less expert.

  • guidance

    broader and often more ongoing, especially from a teacher or expert.

  • tip

    more informal and usually short and practical.

  • counsel

    more formal and often used for serious or professional advice.

Grammar Patterns

advice on/about + topic

ask for advice

take/follow advice

Usage Note

Usually uncountable: say 'some advice' or 'a piece of advice', not 'an advice'. Common verbs with this noun are ask for, give, offer, take, and follow.

Common Mistakes

The nurse gave me an advice.
The nurse gave me some advice.
'advice' is usually uncountable.
My teacher advice me to rest.
My teacher advised me to rest.
'advice' is the noun; 'advise' is the verb.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Advice' is the normal everyday word when someone tells you what they think you should do. 'Suggestion' is close, but it often sounds softer and easier to refuse: a friend may make a suggestion, while a doctor gives advice. 'Guidance' is broader and often continues over time, especially from a teacher, parent, or manager. 'Tip' is informal and usually means a quick practical idea, such as a cooking tip or travel tip. 'Counsel' is the most formal of these words and is common in serious, legal, or emotional situations. You can ask a friend for advice, get career guidance from a teacher, pick up a useful tip online, or seek legal counsel before signing a contract.

advice ↗suggestion ↗guidance ↗tip ↗counsel ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • legal advice
  • medical advice
  • career advice
  • expert advice

Phrases

  • ask for advice
  • give advice
  • take advice
  • follow somebody's advice
  • a piece of advice

Prepositions

  • advice on
  • advice about
  • advice from

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishModern English

'Advice' came into Middle English from Old French avis, which meant an opinion or judgment. That French word is linked to a phrase meaning 'it seems to me' and, further back, to Latin words from the idea of seeing. The history shows an older connection between advice and the way a person views a situation. English later settled on 'advice' for the noun, while the related verb developed as 'advise'.