Definition

Noun: - A proposal for an appropriate course of action: "Advice" refers to a suggestion or recommendation offered to someone about what they should do in a particular situation. It is guidance meant to help inform a decision or solve a problem.

Usage

"Advice" is an uncountable noun. You cannot say "an advice" or "advices." To quantify it, use phrases like "a piece of advice," "some advice," or "a lot of advice." - I need some advice on choosing a university. - She gave me a very useful piece of advice. - His advice was to wait and see what happens.

Examples

• General recommendation:
  • My father's advice was always to save money for the future.
  • The doctor's advice is to get more exercise and eat healthier food.
• Professional or formal guidance:
  • The committee sought legal advice before making a decision.
  • The booklet offers practical advice for new parents.

Advanced Usage

• To take advice: To accept and follow a recommendation.
  • He was wise to take his lawyer's advice.
• To act on advice: To do something based on a suggestion received.
  • The company acted on the consultant's advice and restructured the department.
• A word of advice: Used to introduce a piece of counsel, often in a friendly or warning tone.
  • A word of advice: don't invest all your money in one project.

Variants and Related Words

• Advise (verb): To give advice to someone.
  • I advise you to read the contract carefully.
• Adviser/Advisor (noun): A person who gives advice, often in a professional capacity.
  • She is a financial adviser.
• Advisory (adjective): Having the power or purpose of giving advice.
  • The panel serves in an advisory role.

Synonyms

• Guidance: Help or advice that shows someone what to do.
• Counsel: Formal or professional advice, often from an expert.
• Recommendation: A suggestion about the best course of action.
• Suggestion: An idea or plan put forward for consideration.

Related Phrases

• Seek advice: To ask for guidance.
  • You should seek advice from a specialist.
• Ignore/disregard advice: To not follow given suggestions.
  • He ignored my advice and regretted it later.
• Free advice: Advice given without charge, sometimes implying it may be unsolicited.
  • Here's some free advice: always back up your computer files.

Idioms

• Take something under advice: To consider a suggestion formally.
  • The board will take your proposal under advice.
• Advice is cheap: It is easy to give advice, but harder to act on it or be responsible for the outcome.
  • I know you think I should quit, but advice is cheap.

Noun

1. a proposal for an appropriate course of action