advise

/ədˈvaɪz/

Say it: ad-VIZE

1. verb To offer suggestions or recommendations about a future action or decision.
Her lawyer advised her to remain silent.
2. verb To formally notify or inform someone of a fact or situation.
Please advise us of any change in your contact details.
3. verb To consult or confer with someone to seek their opinion.
The committee will advise with experts before making a final decision.

📖 Seen in the wild

The financial consultant advised her clients to diversify their investments to minimize risk.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ advise in a sentence

I would strongly advise against traveling alone at night in that area.
The captain advised the passengers that they should expect some turbulence.
My financial advisor advised me to diversify my investments.
You would be well advised to read the contract thoroughly before signing.
The government was advised by a panel of scientists on its pandemic response.
Can you advise me on the best way to handle this complaint?
The notice advised that the road would be closed for repairs.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

recommend suggest counsel guide urge instruct caution propose

recommend · implies endorsing a specific option as the best one.

suggest · is more tentative, offering an idea for consideration.

counsel · implies giving thoughtful guidance, often on personal or serious matters.

guide · suggests leading someone toward a goal with direction.

Opposites: dissuade, discourage, mislead, misinform

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'advise' comes to English from the Old French 'aviser', meaning 'to consider' or 'to form an opinion'. This itself grew from 'avis', or 'opinion', which traces back to the Latin phrase 'mi est a visu', meaning 'it seems to me'. Ultimately, it shares a root with 'vision', the Latin 'videre', 'to see', so to advise someone is, at its core, to tell them how you see things.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

strongly adviseadvise againstadvise cautionbe well advised toadvise the clientseek to advise

The most common point of confusion is between 'advise' (the verb, pronounced with a 'z' sound) and 'advice' (the noun, pronounced with an 's' sound). You give advice; you advise someone. While the primary meaning is neutral, the secondary sense of 'to inform' ('Please advise of the changes') is distinctly formal and typical of business or official correspondence.

Word family: advice, adviser, advisor, advisory, advisable, advisement

💬 Quick answers

What is the difference between 'advise' and 'advice'?

'Advise' is a verb, meaning to give a recommendation. 'Advice' is a noun, meaning the recommendation itself. Remember: you can advise someone by giving them advice.

What does it mean to advise someone?

It means to give someone your opinion or suggestion about what they should do in a particular situation. It can also mean to formally inform them of something.

Is 'advise' a formal word?

It's generally a neutral word, suitable for most situations. However, when used to mean 'inform', as in 'Please advise of your availability', it is considered formal and is common in business communication.

How is 'advise' different from 'recommend'?

'Advise' is about giving guidance or suggestions based on expertise or wisdom. 'Recommend' is more specific, suggesting a particular person, thing, or course of action as the best choice.

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