guideline
UK[ˈɡaɪdlaɪn]US[ˈɡaɪdlaɪn]
n
A general rule, principle, or piece of advice that helps you to make decisions or to do something correctly.
n
A line or other feature on a map or document that helps you to see where something is or how to arrange things.
Morpheme Breakdown
guide
line
guide
to lead
line
a mark or rule
Etymology
The word 'guideline' is a transparent compound formed from two English words of distinct origins. The first element, 'guide', entered English via Old French from a Germanic source, carrying the core sense of showing the way. The second element, 'line', has a long history from Latin līnea, originally meaning a linen thread, which evolved to signify a mark, rule, or limit. The compound's literal meaning, "a line that guides," was first used in the 18th century to refer to physical markers, such as a cord used in construction. Over time, this concrete sense was metaphorically extended to its dominant modern abstract meaning: a non-physical principle or piece of advice that provides direction for action or judgment.
Analysis
Structure: guide (to lead) + line (a mark or rule)
guide: From Middle English guiden, from Old French guider, of Germanic origin. Functions as the core semantic root meaning "to lead or direct".
line: From Middle English lyne, from Old English līne, from Latin līnea ("linen thread, string, line"). Functions as a noun-forming element indicating a mark, rule, or principle.
Examples
The government has issued new guidelines for food safety.
Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines when using the equipment.
The dotted guideline on the page helps children write in straight lines.