Difference Between “Council” and “Counsel”
| Aspect | Council | Counsel |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A group of individuals convened for deliberation, decision-making, or advisory functions. | Advice or guidance provided to someone, typically in a professional or formal capacity. |
| Usage | Refers to formal assemblies or governing bodies responsible for making decisions or providing guidance on specific matters. | Indicates professional advice, representation, or guidance provided by a lawyer, therapist, advisor, or mentor. |
| Examples | City council, town council, board of directors, advisory council. | Legal counsel, therapeutic counsel, advisory counsel. |
| Context | Political, governmental, organizational, or community contexts. | Legal, therapeutic, advisory, or mentoring contexts. |
| Function | Deliberation, decision-making, policy-setting, or advisory functions. | Advice-giving, representation, support, or guidance functions. |
| Synonyms | Assembly, committee, board, panel, governing body. | Advice, guidance, recommendation, legal representation, attorney. |
“Council” vs “Counsel” | What’s the Difference?
“Council” and “counsel” are two homophones but they have different meanings. Both the words are pronounced similarly but they are used according to their requirements and situation and sentence.
“Council” refers to a group of people convened for the purpose of deliberation, decision-making, or advisory functions. “Counsel” refers to advice or guidance given to someone, typically in a professional or formal capacity.