guideline

noun

A non-specific rule or principle that provides direction to action or behaviour.

A plan or explanation to guide one in setting standards or determining a course of action.

A light line, used in lettering, to help align the text.

verb

To provide guidelines for.

Roots

witanguide- · Proto-Germanic · to know linealine- · Latin · line

Synonyms for guideline

criterionn blueprintn rubricn scheman

Synonyms & related words for guideline

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of guideline — including criterion, blueprint, rubric, schema. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to guideline

Explore words related to guideline — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include guidepost, directives, guidance, rules, regulations, guidebook, guide, instructions. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for guideline

Common synonyms for guideline include criterion, blueprint, rubric, schema — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does guideline come from?

The word guideline breaks down into 2 roots of Proto-Germanic and Latin origin: guide, from Proto-Germanic witan (“to know”); and line, from Latin linea (“line”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.