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n. 1. a. One who shows the way by leading, directing, or advising. b. One who serves as a model for others, as in a course of conduct. 2. A person employed to conduct others, as through a museum, and give information about points of interest encountered. 3. a. Something, such as a pamphlet, that offers basic information or instruction: a shopper's guide. b. A guidebook. 4. a. Something that serves to direct or indicate. b. A device, such as a ruler, tab, or bar, that serves as an indicator or acts to regulate a motion or operation. 5. A soldier stationed at the right or left of a column of marchers to control alignment, show direction, or mark the point of pivot. v. guid·ed, guid·ing, guides v.tr. 1. To serve as a guide for; conduct. 2. To direct the course of; steer: guide a ship through a channel. 3. To exert control or influence over; direct: guided the nation through the crisis. 4. To supervise the training or education of. v.intr. To serve as a guide. [Middle English, from Old French, from Old Provençal guida, from guidar, to guide, of Germanic origin; see weid- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] guida·ble adj. guider n. Synonyms: guide, lead1, pilot, shepherd, steer1, usher These verbs mean to conduct on or direct to the way: guided me to my seat; led the troops into battle; a teacher piloting students through the zoo; shepherding tourists to the bus; steered the applicant to the third floor; ushering a visitor out. |
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