- guide
-
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English gide, guide, from Anglo-French, from Old Occitan guida, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English wītan to look after, witan to know — more at wit
Date: 14th century
1.
a. one that leads or directs another's way
b. a person who exhibits and explains points of interest
c. something that provides a person with guiding information
d. signpost 1
e. a person who directs another's conduct or course of life
2.
a. a device for steadying or directing the motion of something
b. a ring or loop for holding the line of a fishing rod in position
c. a sheet or a card with projecting tab for labeling inserted in a card index to facilitate reference
3. a member of a unit on whom the movements or alignments of a military command are regulated — used especially in commands <guide right> II. verb (guided; guiding) Date: 14th century transitive verb 1. to act as a guide to ; direct in a way or course 2. a. to direct, supervise, or influence usually to a particular end b. to superintend the training or instruction of intransitive verb to act or work as a guide • guider noun Synonyms: guide, lead, steer, pilot, engineer mean to direct in a course or show the way to be followed. guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers <guided the scouts through the cave>. lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order <led his team to victory>. steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly <steered the ship through a narrow channel>. pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course <piloted the bill through the Senate>. engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan <engineered his son's election to the governorship>.
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
