What is guide? Pronunciation and usage in English

guide means . Learn how to pronounce and use guide through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of guide

guidenoun/verb

/ɡʌɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of guide

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "guide." Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • ɡwaɪd (rhymes with "drive" or "prize")

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • "gu": Pronounced like the "guh" in "gum" or "gun." It's a short, clear "g" sound.
  • "i": Pronounced like the "ee" in "see" or "tree."
  • "de": Pronounced like "d" followed by the "igh" sound as in "light."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the "guh" sound at the beginning. This is the most important part.
  • Practice saying "guh-ee-digh." Blending those sounds together is key.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken. You can:
    • Google search: "How to pronounce guide" - You'll find recordings.
    • Use a pronunciation app: Apps like Forvo (forvo.com) have native speakers pronouncing words in various languages and dialects.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some more examples of words that rhyme with "guide"?

Usage and examples with the word guide in English

Let's break down how to use the word "guide" in English. It's a very versatile word with several different meanings and ways it can be used. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:

1. As a Noun (The thing that directs):

  • A person who directs someone: This is the most common meaning.
    • “We hired a tour guide to show us around Rome.”
    • “She’s a hiking guide with years of experience.”
    • “He became my guide through the complex legal process.”
  • A set of instructions: Referring to a book, website, or other resource.
    • “I’m using a travel guide to plan my trip.”
    • “This guide to healthy eating is really helpful.”
    • “Check the online guide for troubleshooting steps.”
  • A general direction or course: (Less common, but still valid)
    • “The guide of the river is marked by the old oak trees.” (Here, it refers to the path the river follows.)

2. As a Verb (To direct someone):

  • To lead or direct someone:
    • “I’ll guide you through the process step by step.”
    • “The coach guided the team to victory.”
    • “The therapist helped me to guide my thoughts.”
  • To indicate a direction: (Similar to noun usage, but as an action)
    • “The map guides us to the nearest gas station.”
  • To help someone understand something:
    • “The teacher guided us through the difficult math problem.”

3. Figurative Uses (Beyond Literal Direction):

  • To influence or shape someone's thinking:
    • “His words guided my decision.”
    • “She’s a guide for aspiring writers.” (Meaning she's an inspiration and mentor)
  • To provide clarity or understanding:
    • “The new regulations guide our operations.” (Meaning they provide a framework for how we should operate.)

Here's a table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun A person who directs “The park ranger was our guide.”
Noun Instructions; a resource “I need a guide to this software.”
Verb To lead or direct “He guided me through the forest.”
Verb To indicate a direction “The star guides sailors at night.”
Figurative To influence or shape thoughts “His advice guided my choice.”

Tips for Using "Guide" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "guide" is heavily influenced by the context of the sentence.
  • Consider the object: What is the ‘guide’ directing or leading? (a person, a process, a direction).
  • Synonyms: Think about synonyms that might fit your meaning even better - mentor, instructor, leader, advisor, compass.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "guide"? (e.g., "I'm writing a sentence about a hiking trip," or "I'm not sure when to use 'guide' versus 'mentor'")

Synonyms for the word guide

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