LookItUp

guide

Meaning in simple English

US /ɡaɪd/

guide means: A person or thing that helps you find your way or shows you what to do.

noun

SHOW THE WAYA2

A person or thing that helps you find your way or shows you what to do.

  • Our guide showed us the castle.
  • We followed a local guide through the forest.
  • Use the stars as your guide at night.

Common phrases: tour guide, local guide, guide for someone

INFORMATION BOOKA2

A book or document that explains a place, subject, or how to do something.

  • Read the guide before you start.
  • This travel guide includes several useful maps.
  • Have you seen our guide to growing vegetables?

How to use it: a guide to something (I bought a guide to local birds.)

Similar words: guidebook, handbook, manual

Common phrases: travel guide, user guide, guide to something

DIRECTION SIGNB2

A sign that shows people which way to go.

  • A wooden guide points toward the village.
  • We followed the guide at the crossroads.
  • The guides along the trail show the correct route.

Similar words: guidepost, signpost

Common phrases: wooden guide, roadside guide, guide at junctions

REFERENCE MARKC1

A visible mark or object that helps you quickly find a position or useful information.

  • Use the red line as a guide.
  • The designer added guides to align the pictures.
  • A small guide marks the edge of the page.

Similar words: reference mark, marker

Common phrases: visual guide, alignment guide, guide on screen

MACHINE PARTC1

A device that keeps a moving part going in the correct direction or position.

  • The guide keeps the blade straight.
  • Adjust the guide before cutting the wood.
  • Worn guides can allow the moving parts to shake.

Common phrases: blade guide, drill guide, metal guide

SPIRITC2

A spirit believed to communicate with people through someone with special powers.

  • The medium said her guide was speaking.
  • He believed his guide sent messages from the spirit world.
  • Several guides supposedly spoke during the session.

Similar words: spirit guide

Common phrases: spirit guide, spiritual guide

verb

SHOW THE WAYB1

To show someone where to go or how to do something.

  • She guided us around the town.
  • A nurse guided him to his room.
  • Can you guide me through these steps?

How to use it: guide someone to somewhere (She guided us to the entrance.); guide someone through something (He guided me through the booking process.)

Similar words: lead, direct

Common phrases: guide someone home, guide someone through, guide the visitors

INFLUENCEB2

To influence how someone thinks or acts, or how something develops.

  • Our values guide our decisions.
  • Clear evidence guided the new policy.
  • What principles should guide your choice?

Similar words: direct, influence, shape

Common phrases: guide a decision, guide policy, guide someone’s actions

Learn guide while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

Phrases with guide

guide in other languages

More words