# advise

/ædˈvaɪz/ (US) · /ɐdvˈaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/advise
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to give a recommendation

verb · CEFR B1

to tell someone what you think they should do in a particular situation.

For teachers: to offer a recommendation or opinion to be followed. Transitive; often takes an object and an infinitive or a 'that' clause.

- The doctor advised him to eat less salt and exercise more often.
- Legal experts strongly advise that the company review its safety protocols before the new legislation takes effect next month.

Usage: Commonly used in the pattern 'advise someone to do something' or 'advise that someone should do something'.

### 2. to inform formally

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to give someone official information or a formal notice about something.

For teachers: to formally notify or provide information to a person or organisation. Often used in professional or legal contexts.

- Please be advised that the office will be closed for the holiday.
- The bank wrote to advise us of a change in the interest rates affecting our savings account.

Usage: Frequently appears in the passive voice as 'please be advised that...' in formal correspondence.

### 3. to deliberate

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Archaic

to think carefully about something before making a decision.

For teachers: to consider or deliberate on a matter. Intransitive; now largely restricted to legal or highly formal contexts.

- The council took time to advise before announcing their final decision.
- The court will take time to advise upon the arguments presented before delivering a written judgment next term.

## Examples

- I strongly advise you to check the weather before you leave.
- The legal team will advise the board on how to proceed with the merger while staying within current regulations.
- Financial experts advise diversifying your portfolio across various asset classes to mitigate the risks associated with market volatility and sudden economic shifts.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.