guide

[ gahyd ]

verb (used with object)

, guid·ed, guid·ing.

1. to assist (a person) to travel through, or reach a destination in, an unfamiliar area, as by accompanying or giving directions to the person:

   He guided us through the forest.

   Synonyms: escort, steer, pilot

   Antonyms: follow

2. to accompany (a sightseer) to show points of interest and to explain their meaning or significance.
3. to force (a person, object, or animal) to move in a certain path.
4. to supply (a person) with advice or counsel, as in practical or spiritual affairs.
5. to supervise (someone's actions or affairs) in an advisory capacity.

   Synonyms: rule, govern, manage, regulate

noun

1. a person who guides, especially one hired to guide travelers, tourists, hunters, etc.

   Synonyms: conductor, director, pilot

2. a mark, tab, or the like, to catch the eye and thus provide quick reference.

   Synonyms: clue, key, indication, signal, sign

3. a guidebook.
4. a book, pamphlet, etc., giving information, instructions, or advice; handbook:

   an investment guide.

5. a guidepost.
6. a device that regulates or directs progressive motion or action:

   a sewing-machine guide.

7. a spirit believed to direct the utterances of a medium.
8. Military. a member of a group marching in formation who sets the pattern of movement or alignment for the rest.

Guide

¹

/ ɡaɪd /

noun

1. sometimes not capital a member of an organization for girls equivalent to the Scouts US equivalentGirl Scout

guide

²

/ ɡaɪd /

verb

1. to lead the way for (a person)
2. to control the movement or course of (an animal, vehicle, etc) by physical action; steer
3. to supervise or instruct (a person)
4. tr to direct the affairs of (a person, company, nation, etc)

   he guided the country through the war

5. tr to advise or influence (a person) in his standards or opinions

   let truth guide you always

noun

1. 1. a person, animal, or thing that guides
   2. ( as modifier )

      a guide dog

2. a person, usually paid, who conducts tour expeditions, etc
3. a model or criterion, as in moral standards or accuracy
4. See guidebook
5. a book that instructs or explains the fundamentals of a subject or skill

   a guide to better living

6. any device that directs the motion of a tool or machine part
7. 1. a mark, sign, etc, that points the way
   2. ( in combination )

      guidepost

8. spiritualism a spirit believed to influence a medium so as to direct what he utters and convey messages through him
9. 1. navy a ship in a formation used as a reference for manoeuvres, esp with relation to maintaining the correct formation and disposition
   2. military a soldier stationed to one side of a column or line to regulate alignment, show the way, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈguideless, adjective
• ˈguidable, adjective
• ˈguiding, adjectivenoun
• ˈguider, noun

Other Words From

• guida·ble adjective
• guideless adjective
• guider noun
• guiding·ly adverb
• non·guida·ble adjective
• pre·guide verb (used with object) preguided preguiding
• re·guide verb (used with object) reguided reguiding
• un·guida·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of guide¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English giden (verb), gide (noun), from Old French gui(d)er (verb), gui(d)e (noun), from Germanic; akin to wit ²( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of guide¹

C14: from (Old) French guider, of Germanic origin; compare Old English wītan to observe

Example Sentences

The next interim coach who might get a promotion is Santa Margarita’s Steve Fifita, who guided the Eagles through some difficult moments this season.

From Los Angeles Times

Savor the unique experience of shopping for holiday gifts in person with our 2024 Los Angeles gift shop guide.

From Los Angeles Times

We call Round 1 the “Buzzy” round because it mixes what the panelists predict will tickle voters with what they hope will — it’s kind of a Buzzy viewing guide.

From Los Angeles Times

Backers have been looking to community land trusts to help guide the way.

From Los Angeles Times

"Here, it helped guide us to think about how the cell density, proliferation rate, signaling, and all these different things conspire."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• catalog
• clue
• directory
• guidebook
• handbook
• key
• manual

When To Use

What are other ways to say guide?

To guide someone is to assist them in traveling through or in reaching a destination by accompanying them or giving them directions. How does guide compare to synonyms conduct, direct, and lead? Find out on Thesaurus.com.