guideline

[ gahyd-lahyn ]

noun

1. any guide or indication of a future course of action:

   guidelines on the government's future policy.

2. a lightly marked line used as a guide, as in composing a drawing, a typed page, or a line of lettering.
3. a rope or cord that serves to guide one's steps, especially over rocky terrain, through underground passages, etc.
4. a rope or wire used in guiding the movement of stage scenery or curtains being raised or lowered.

guideline

/ ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a principle put forward to set standards or determine a course of action

Word History and Origins

Origin of guideline¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; guide + line ¹

Example Sentences

The policy is considered more of a guideline, however, since there is no legal penalty for not following it.

From Los Angeles Times

The guideline provides an easy-to-understand benchmark, but in practice it doesn’t really work, according to some.

From Salon

The recommendation is a good guideline, but is getting more difficult to do in practice.

From Salon

These include legislative changes over concerns about abuse, prescribing guideline changes, increased efforts to reduce potentially inappropriate prescribing and greater promotion of alternative strategies such as pain support programmes and counselling.

From BBC

It will also consider the relevant statute and case law including; the maximum sentence which the court can impose, any sentencing guideline judgments relevant to the offence committed, whether the offender pleaded guilty, the level of culpability, the offender’s previous convictions, and any other aggravating or mitigating factors presented to the court by the prosecution and defence.

From BBC

Related Words

• code
• ground rule
• guidance
• instruction
• protocol
• rule