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¹guide

noun \ˈgīd\

: a person who leads or directs other people on a journey

: a person who shows and explains the interesting things in a place

: a person who helps to direct another person's behavior, life, career, etc.

Full Definition of GUIDE

a : one that leads or directs another's way

b : a person who exhibits and explains points of interest

c : something that provides a person with guiding information

d : signpost 1

e : a person who directs another's conduct or course of life

a : a device for steadying or directing the motion of something

b : a ring or loop for holding the line of a fishing rod in position

c : a sheet or a card with projecting tab for labeling inserted in a card index to facilitate reference

: a member of a unit on whom the movements or alignments of a military command are regulated —used especially in commands <guide right>

See guide defined for English-language learners

See guide defined for kids

Origin of GUIDE

Middle English gide, guide, from Anglo-French, from Old Occitan guida, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English wītan to look after, witan to know — more at wit

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to GUIDE

Synonyms: attendant, companion, guard, escort

Rhymes with GUIDE

bide, bride, chide, eyed, fried, glide, hide, pied, pride, ride, side, slide, snide, stride, thighed, tide, tried, wide

²guide

verb

: to direct or lead (someone)

: to direct or control the path or course of (something)

: to direct or influence the thoughts or behavior of (someone)

guid·edguid·ing

Full Definition of GUIDE

transitive verb

: to act as a guide to : direct in a way or course

a : to direct, supervise, or influence usually to a particular end

b : to superintend the training or instruction of

intransitive verb

: to act or work as a guide

— guid·er noun

See guide defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of GUIDE

14th century

Related to GUIDE

Synonyms: coach, counsel, lead, mentor, pilot, shepherd, show, tutor, walk through

Antonyms: follow, trail

Synonym Discussion of GUIDE

guide, lead, steer, pilot, engineer mean to direct in a course or show the way to be followed. guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers <guided the scouts through the cave>. lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order <led his team to victory>. steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly <steered the ship through a narrow channel>. pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course <piloted the bill through the Senate>. engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan <engineered his son's election to the governorship>.

GUIDE Defined for Kids