What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
moralize
Example
He tends to moralize about the importance of honesty and integrity. [moralize: verb]
Example
She always moralizes about the dangers of social media. [moralizes: third person singular]
counsel
Example
I sought counsel from my mentor on how to handle the situation. [counsel: noun]
Example
She counseled me to take some time off to rest and recharge. [counseled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Counsel is more commonly used than moralize in everyday language. Counsel is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while moralize is less common and refers specifically to the act of giving advice on moral or ethical issues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between moralize and counsel?
Counsel is typically associated with a formal or professional tone, while moralize can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, but often carries a negative connotation of being judgmental or preachy.
