guide

Meanings

Noun

• Someone who guides, especially someone hired to show people around a place or an institution and offer information and explanation.
• A document or book that offers information or instruction; guidebook.
• A sign that guides people; guidepost.
• Any marking or object that catches the eye to provide quick reference.
• A device that guides part of a machine, or guides motion or action.
• A spirit believed to speak through a medium.
• A member of a group marching in formation who sets the pattern of movement or alignment for the rest.

Verb

• to serve as a guide for someone or something; to lead or direct in a way; to conduct in a course or path.
• to steer or navigate, especially a ship or as a pilot.
• to exert control or influence over someone or something.
• to supervise the education or training of someone.
• to act as a guide.

Origin

• c. 1325–75. From Middle English guide, from the Old French guide, from Old Occitan guida, from guidar, from Frankish *wītan, from Proto-Germanic *wītaną, from Proto-Indo-European *weyd-. Cognate with Old English wītan. Related also to English wit.
• From Middle English guiden, from Old French guider, from Old Occitan guidar, from Frankish *wītan, from Proto-Germanic *wītaną, from Proto-Indo-European *weyd-.