Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪk kˈa͡ʊnsə͡l] (IPA) 
The phrase "take counsel" is often used as a way to suggest seeking advice or guidance from someone. In terms of spelling, "take" is pronounced /teɪk/ with the long "a" sound followed by a hard "k" sound. "Counsel" is pronounced /ˈkaʊnsəl/ with the stress on the first syllable and a soft "s" sound. The word "counsel" can also be spelled with a double "l" as "counselled" or "counseling," depending on the context.
The phrase "take counsel" typically refers to seeking advice, guidance, or consultation from someone or a group of people. It can be used in various contexts, such as personal, professional, or decision-making situations, where an individual or a party desires to gain insights or perspectives from others before making a choice or taking action.
When individuals "take counsel", they usually aim to benefit from the wisdom, expertise, or experience of others, recognizing that external viewpoints and expertise may provide valuable insights that they might not have considered themselves. By engaging in this approach, individuals attempt to make informed and well-considered decisions, minimizing potential risks or negative consequences. The act of taking counsel showcases a willingness to listen, learn, and consider multiple perspectives, thereby making more reasoned and balanced choices.
Communities, organizations, or groups can also "take counsel" collectively, engaging in collaborative discussions, brainstorming sessions, or seeking external expertise to make collective decisions. This process fosters the generation of ideas from diverse viewpoints, encourages meaningful collaboration, and helps build consensus within the group.
Ultimately, to "take counsel" embodies an open-minded approach, recognizing the value of seeking advice and guidance to make more informed decisions. It reflects an individual's or a group's inclination to seek external input and expertise, acknowledging that shared wisdom can enhance the quality of decision-making and potentially lead to better outcomes.
The word "counsel" originated from the Old French term "conseil", which was derived from the Latin word "consilium". Both the French and Latin words have the fundamental meaning of "consultation" or "advice".
The phrase "take counsel" combines the verb "take" and the noun "counsel". "Take" comes from the Old English word "tacan" meaning "to get hold of" or "to grasp". "Counsel", as mentioned earlier, represents advice or consultation.
Therefore, the etymology of "take counsel" can be understood as the combination of the Old English verb "take" with the Old French and Latin noun "counsel", resulting in the meaning "to get hold of advice" or "to consult".
