Advice, counsel and their corresponding verbs advise, counsel denote recommendation or to make a recommendation as to a decision or a course of conduct.
Advice and advise imply real or pretended knowledge or experience, often professional or technical, on the part of the one who advises and may apply to any of the affairs of life.
- advice regarding the choice of books
- the extension specialist assists and advises the farmers
- legal advice
Counsel often stresses the fruit of wisdom or deliberation, and presupposes weightier occasions than advice or more authority or a closer personal relationship in the one who counsels.
- I do in friendship counsel you to leave this place
—Shak. - seek counsel in affairs of state
The noun sometimes suggests instruction or advice of a lofty or ideal character.
- the Christian counsel of perfection