lexicow

guideline

/ˈɡaɪdlaɪn//ˈɡaɪdlaɪn/·noun
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Definition

A guideline is a piece of advice with authority behind it — a rule of thumb, standard, or principle meant to steer behavior without dictating every step. Health guidelines suggest how much to exercise; editorial guidelines shape how a magazine writes. Unlike a strict law, a guideline marks the recommended path and trusts you to follow it; it points the way rather than fencing you in, which is why guidelines are 'followed', 'issued', and sometimes quietly ignored.

Examples

  • Clear guidelines help new writers discern which details matter and which to cut.
  • The agency issued a coherent set of guidelines so that every clinic would treat patients the same way.
  • These are guidelines, not rules, so use your own judgment where a case is unusual.

Collocations

follow the guidelines·issue guidelines·official guidelines·in line with the guidelines·a rough guideline

Synonyms

rule·principle·directive·benchmark·standard

Antonyms

free-for-all

Word family

guide (verb)·guide (noun)

In TOEFL & IELTS

Common in TOEFL/IELTS texts on health, education, and the workplace. Usually plural ('the guidelines'). Collocations: follow/issue/set/breach guidelines. A guideline is softer than a 'regulation' or 'law' — advisory rather than binding — a useful distinction to draw in Writing. Note the spelling is one word.