These three words all have meanings related to helpful advice. They all describe people who advise and help other people, but each word is different.
Consul is the most specific; it refers to a specific government job—in the modern era, to the person who represents a nation’s commercial and social interests in a foreign country. This is the office that helps its nation’s citizens when they visit other countries; for example, the American consul in Nigeria would help Americans living in Nigeria. A consul is not an ambassador, although consuls may serve as ambassadors in some cases—especially if there is no ambassador. For example, Taiwan cannot have an official ambassador to America because China says Taiwan is not its own country, so the Taiwanese consulate (the consul’s offices) serve this purpose for Taiwan in America.
A council is an official group of people, who work together in order to make decisions—often political or commercial policies. A council may advise a leader, government, or industry, or a council may comprise representatives from multiple sources who wish to coordinate their activities or make decisions together. Councils can concern any area of life where government or industry may have an impact or an interest.
Counsel has several meanings. It can refer to lawyers—while they are representing clients in a court of law. They are the client's "advisors" and therefore counsel. And counsel may refer to one lawyer or the client’s entire legal team:
The counsel for the defense has presented its case.
Counsel is also a verb meaning “to advise” and a noun meaning “advice”—in any sense, official or personal. You can counsel a friend or an emperor. You can receive counsel from anyone or you can “keep your own counsel”—an English idiomatic phrase meaning “follow one’s own advice.”
More Examples of How to Use "Consul" in a Sentence
- The consul was very helpful when I was trying to get my visa replaced.
- Yesterday, I went to the consul to get help with my passport.
- The American consul was very helpful when I needed to renew my passport.
- The consul's office will be closed for the next few weeks for emergency repairs to the water pipes.
- The consul's office is in the main building, which is located at the far end of the complex.
- I was surprised to learn that Ronald used to be a consul for the United States in France.
More Examples of How to Use "Council" in a Sentence
- The council is meeting today to discuss the budget.
- To no one’s surprise, council voted to increase the tax on alcohol.
- The student council is going to have a meeting tomorrow to discuss ways to prevent cyber bulling.
- The town council will hold a public hearing at 6 P.M.
- My parents are on the city council, so they are always busy and rarely make it home in time for dinner.
- Jan decided she would run to serve on the city council next year.
- After all the debates and discussions, the council decided that it would be better to build an indoor swimming pool instead of an outdoor one.
- The council appointed a new mayor to replace the previous one, who was arrested on charges of corruption.
- The city council met last night to discuss the new proposal, but the council was still split on whether or not to support the proposed law.
More Examples of How to Use "Counsel" in a Sentence
- Elizabeth sought the counsel of her mother before deciding to quit her job.
- My lawyer's counsel was to plead guilty—even though I was innocent.
- Amy received sage counsel from her grandmother, who had lived through many similar circumstances in her long life.
- I am going to need legal counsel before I make any decisions.
- The company's counsel advised them to take the settlement.
- Her parents had always counseled her to be careful with her money.
- Thankfully, the guidance counselor was able to help our son choose the right classes.
- Counseling is essential to helping people resolve conflict and deal with painful emotions.
- The president sought counsel from his advisors before making the decision to go to war.