gide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral - used across formal, informal, academic, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “gide” mean?
to show someone the way to a place.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to show someone the way to a place; to direct or influence someone's behavior or decisions; a person who leads others or a book giving information.
A principle, method, or criterion used for making judgments or decisions; something that provides a model or standard; in computing, a feature that assists in navigation or alignment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Tour guide' is equally common. In very formal British contexts, 'guide' might be preferred over 'manual' for certain instructional booklets (e.g., 'A Guide to the Cathedral').
Connotations
Similar connotations of expertise and helpful direction in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high-frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “gide” in a Sentence
guide someone to somethingguide someone through somethingguide someone in doing somethingbe guided by somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gide” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- We hired a local guide for the mountain trek.
- The booklet is an excellent guide to British birds.
- His moral compass was his only guide.
American English
- The park guide pointed out the historical landmarks.
- Follow the style guide for all written documents.
- She was a guide and mentor to many young lawyers.
verb
British English
- She will guide you through the application process.
- The stars were used to guide ancient sailors.
- We must be guided by the evidence.
American English
- He guided the team to a successful launch.
- Use the manual to guide your assembly.
- Her values guide all her decisions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
We need a clear guide for the new compliance procedures. The report will guide our investment strategy.
Academic
The professor's feedback guided the student's research. This theory serves as a useful guide for interpreting the data.
Everyday
Can you guide me to the nearest station? I used a recipe guide to make the cake.
Technical
The software includes an alignment guide. Use the manual as a guide for troubleshooting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gide”
- Using 'guide to do something' (incorrect) instead of 'guide someone in doing something' or 'guide someone to do something'.
- Confusing 'guide' with 'lead' in contexts requiring formal authority (a manager 'leads' a team, a consultant 'guides' them).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is neutral. It is appropriate in both casual speech ('a guide to the city') and formal writing ('guided by international law').
'Guide' implies providing advice and help along the way. 'Lead' implies being at the front with more authority and others following. 'Direct' implies giving clear instructions or orders, often from a position of oversight.
Yes, very commonly. You can be guided by emotions, principles, rules, or data (e.g., 'guided by her intuition').
In a dictionary or index, it's a word printed at the top of a page to show the first or last entry on that page.
to show someone the way to a place.
Gide: in British English it is pronounced /ɡaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a guiding light”
- “a guiding principle”
- “let your conscience be your guide”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GUIDE showing you the way while holding a glowing light. Think: 'GUIdance for IDEas and directions.'
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/PRINCIPLES ARE A GUIDE (e.g., 'Let justice be your guide.'); LIFE IS A JOURNEY WITH A GUIDE.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'guide' used metaphorically?