To advise means to offer suggestions or recommendations to someone about what they should do. When your teacher advises you to study for a test, she's sharing her knowledge and experience to help you make a good choice. When a doctor advises a patient to get more sleep, he's giving guidance based on medical expertise.

Advising is different from commanding or demanding. If someone advises you to bring an umbrella because rain is forecast, you're still free to leave it at home (though you might get wet!). The person giving advice shares their wisdom or perspective, but the final decision stays with you.

People seek advice from those with more experience or knowledge about something. You might ask a librarian to advise you on which books to read, or your soccer coach might advise the team on strategy before a big game. An adviser (also spelled advisor) is someone whose job includes giving guidance, like a school guidance counselor or a financial adviser who helps people make smart money decisions.

Don't confuse advise with advice. Remember: you advise someone (that's the verb), and they receive your advice (that's the noun, the actual suggestion you gave them).