# guide

/ˈɡaɪd/ (US) · /ɡˈaɪd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a person who leads

noun · CEFR A2

a person who shows the way to others, especially a professional who takes tourists around a city or museum.

For teachers: a person who leads or directs others on a journey or through a location, often providing expert commentary or ensuring safety.

- The tour guide told us many interesting stories about the old castle.
- Our mountain guide insisted that we check our equipment twice before attempting the final ascent in the fading light.

### 2. an instruction book

noun · CEFR A2

a book or document that provides information on a subject or explains how to do something.

For teachers: a handbook or manual providing information, instructions, or advice on a specific topic or location.

- I bought a small guide to the local birds so I could identify them in the garden.
- The comprehensive study guide provides students with structured summaries and practice questions to prepare for the final examination.

### 3. a mechanical part

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a part of a machine that keeps another part moving in the right direction.

For teachers: a mechanical device or component designed to direct the motion or position of another part.

- The drawer came off its metal guide and got stuck.
- The technician adjusted the sliding guide to ensure the blade remained perfectly vertical during the cutting process.

### 4. to show the way

verb · CEFR A2

to lead or direct someone along a path or through a place.

For teachers: to conduct or lead someone along a physical route or through a conceptual process.

- She used a flashlight to guide her friends through the dark woods.
- The mentor's primary role is to guide the new recruits through the complexities of corporate policy during their first month.

### 5. to influence or control

verb · CEFR B2

to have a strong influence on how someone behaves or how something develops.

For teachers: to exert a directing or governing influence over a person's actions, thoughts, or the progress of an event.

- Let your conscience guide you when you have to make a difficult choice.
- The central bank's primary objective is to guide the economy toward stable growth while keeping inflation under control.

## Examples

- The tour guide showed us the oldest buildings in the city.
- We followed the hiking guide through the forest to ensure we stayed on the correct path.
- The comprehensive field guide provides detailed illustrations and descriptions to help amateur birdwatchers identify local species during the spring migration.

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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.