What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counsel
Example
I sought counsel from my parents before making a big decision. [counsel: noun]
Example
The lawyer counseled his client on the best course of action. [counseled: verb]
lawyer
Example
I hired a lawyer to help me with my case. [lawyer: noun]
Example
She is a successful lawyer who specializes in corporate law. [lawyer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lawyer is a more commonly used term than counsel in everyday language, especially in legal contexts. Counsel is more commonly used in formal or professional settings, such as in the context of legal representation or counseling services.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between counsel and lawyer?
Lawyer is generally considered a more formal term than counsel, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the formality of both terms can depend on the context in which they are used.
