- Main Entry:
-
2guide
- Function:
- verb
- Inflected Form(s):
- guid·ed; guid·ing
- Date:
- 14th century
transitive verb1: to act as a guide to : direct in a way or course2 a: to direct, supervise, or influence usually to a particular end b: to superintend the training or instruction ofintransitive verb: to act or work as a guide
— guid·er 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>.
