To give someone advice, guidance, or a recommendation about what they should do. It can be informal, like a friend’s tip, or formal, like a lawyer’s guidance.
From Old French *aviser* “to consider, to inform,” related to *avis* “opinion, advice.” It shares roots with *advice* but stayed as the action form.
‘Advice’ is the thing; ‘advise’ is the action—yet they sound almost the same, which trips many learners. One way to remember: verbs like ‘advise’ often end in /-z/ sounds, while nouns like ‘advice’ end in an /-s/ sound.
To "advise" has often been associated with formal authority roles historically held by men—lawyers, financial advisors, political counselors—while women’s advisory roles were informal or unrecognized. Gendered expectations also shaped who was considered credible as an advisor.
Use "advise" for people of all genders and avoid implying that advisors are typically male. When describing advisory relationships, focus on expertise and role rather than gendered assumptions.
["recommend","suggest","counsel"]
Women have acted as key advisors in courts, movements, and organizations, even when they lacked official titles or public recognition.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.