counsellor

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊns(ə)lə/
(US counselor)

noun

  • 1a person trained to give guidance on personal or psychological problems: a marriage counsellor
  • [with modifier] a person who gives advice on a specified subject: a debt counsellor
  • 2a senior officer in the diplomatic service: a counsellor at the Russian embassy
  • 3 (also counselor-at-law) US & Irish a barrister.
  • 4North American a supervisor at a children’s summer camp.

Origin:

Middle English (in the general sense 'adviser'): from Old French conseiller, from Latin consiliarius, and Old French conseillour, from Latin consiliator, both from consilium 'consultation or advice'

The words counsellor and councillor are often confused. A counsellor is a person who gives advice or counsel, especially on personal problems ( a marriage counsellor), whereas a councillor is a member of a city, county, or other council ( she stood as a Labour candidate for city councillor).