guidebook
UK[ˈɡaɪdbʊk]US[ˈɡaɪdbʊk]
n
A book that gives visitors information about a place, such as a city, museum, or building.
n
A book that gives advice or instructions on how to do something.
Morpheme Breakdown
guide
book
guide
to lead or direct
book
a written work or volume
Etymology
The word 'guidebook' is a transparent compound formed from two ancient Germanic roots. The first element, 'guide', entered English via Old French from a Germanic source related to 'witan', meaning 'to know' or 'to show the way'. The second element, 'book', derives from the Old English 'bōc', originally referring to a beechwood tablet used for writing. The compound logically combines the concept of a directing agent ('guide') with the medium of a bound volume ('book'). This straightforward fusion in the early modern period created a term for a portable manual designed to lead a traveler or learner through unfamiliar territory, perfectly encapsulating its function in its form.
Analysis
Structure: guide + book
guide: From Middle English 'giden', from Old French 'guider', of Germanic origin; meaning 'to lead or direct'. Functions as the core semantic root.
book: From Old English 'bōc', of Germanic origin; meaning 'a written work or volume'. Functions as a compounding element specifying the object's form.
Examples
She bought a guidebook to plan her tour of the historic city.
The museum's guidebook provides detailed explanations of each exhibit.
This guidebook offers excellent tips for first-time investors.