counselor

[ koun-suh-ler ]

noun

1. a person who counsels; adviser.
2. a faculty member who advises students on personal and academic problems, career choices, and the like.
3. an assistant at a children's camp, often a high school or college student, who supervises a group of children or directs a particular activity, as nature study or a sport.
4. a lawyer, especially a trial lawyer; counselor-at-law.

   Synonyms: advocate, counsel, barrister, solicitor, attorney

5. an official of an embassy or legation who ranks below an ambassador or minister.

Other Words From

• counse·lor·ship especially British, counsel·lor·ship noun
• pre·counsel·lor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of counselor¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English counseiler, counseillour, from Anglo-French cunseiler, cunseiliour, Old French conseilleor, conseillier; counsel, -eur, -er ², -or ²

Example Sentences

If a child's anger becomes severe, frequent, or unmanageable, it may be helpful to consult a therapist or counselor.

From Science Daily

The Orange Unified School District said in a social media post that counselors were available for staff and students.

From Los Angeles Times

The first is a verbal reminder to the student, followed by a “referral to a counselor” and then outreach to a parent or guardian.

From Los Angeles Times

United Teachers Los Angeles — which represents the district’s teachers, counselors and nurses — has put in virtually all of the $2.4 million in independent spending on Schmerelson’s behalf in this San Fernando Valley race.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet I also understand money has the potential to take me down a dangerous path, away from my true calling as a teacher and counselor.

From Salon

Related Words

• advocate
• instructor
• mentor
• teacher