guide

Meaning

Noun

1. Someone who guides, especially someone hired to show people around a place or an institution and offer information and explanation, or to lead them through dangerous terrain.
2. A document or book that offers information or instruction; guidebook.
3. A sign that guides people; guidepost.
4. Any marking or object that catches the eye to provide quick reference.
5. Synonym of legend, a key to symbols, abbreviations, and terms on a map, chart, etc.
6. A device that guides part of a machine, or guides motion or action.
7. A device that guides part of a machine, or guides motion or action.
8. (dated) A device that guides part of a machine, or guides motion or action.
9. A spirit believed to speak through a medium.
10. A member of a group marching in formation who sets the pattern of movement or alignment for the rest.

Verb

1. To serve as a guide for someone or something; to lead or direct in a way; to conduct in a course or path.
2. To steer or navigate, especially a ship or as a pilot.
3. To exert control or influence over someone or something.
4. To supervise the education or training of someone.
5. (intransitive) To act as a guide.

Synonyms

lead

direct

conduct

leader

instruct

steer

show

drive

head

manual

handbook

show the way

pilot

🧑‍✈️

guidance

guidebook

usher

escort

manage

take

usher in

teach

conductor

index

director

coach

directory

reference book

point

pointer

bring

control

introduce

indicator

run

cicerone

channel

tour guide

educate

direction

mentor

quote

introduction

regulate

instructor

adviser

help

advise

govern

guidepost

navigate

Translations

guide

guía

guida

guider

führen

guiar

Führer

guidare

leiten

condurre

diriger

guiar

leiden

lenken

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɡaɪd/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: guide

Cognate with Old English: wītan

Cognate with English: wit

Inherited from Middle English: guiden

In summary

c. 1325–75. From Middle English guide, from the Old French guide, from Old Occitan guida, from guidar, from Frankish *wītan (“to show the way, lead”), from Proto-Germanic *wītaną (“to see, know; go, depart”), from Proto-Indo-European *weyd- (“to see, know”). Cognate with Old English wītan (“to see, take heed to, watch after, guard, keep”). Related also to English wit.