counsellor
UK[ˈkaʊnsələ]US[ˈkaʊnsələr]
n
a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems
n
a person who advises or represents clients in a particular field (e.g., legal counsellor, camp counsellor)
Morpheme Breakdown
counsel
lor
counsel
advise
lor
agent suffix
Etymology
The word 'counsellor' originates from the Latin 'consilium', which signified a deliberative assembly, a plan, or advice. This term itself is derived from the verb 'consulere', meaning to consult or deliberate. The agent suffix '-or' (later assimilated into English as '-er' or '-or') was appended to denote a person who provides such consultation or advice. Over time, the meaning evolved from a general advisor to one specializing in giving professional guidance, particularly in psychological, legal, or supervisory contexts, reflecting the formalization of the advisory role.
Analysis
Structure: counsel (advise) + lor (agent suffix)
counsel (from Old French 'cunseil', from Latin 'consilium' meaning deliberation, advice, plan); lor (variant of the agent suffix '-er', from Old English '-ere', indicating a person who performs an action)
Examples
She decided to see a grief counsellor after her loss.
The student met with her guidance counsellor to discuss university options.
He served as a senior counsellor at the summer camp for many years.