Guideline

/ˈɡaɪd.laɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A general rule, principle, or piece of advice.

The organization provided a set of guidelines for conducting research.

A statement or other indication of a policy or procedure.

Please adhere to the safety guidelines while operating machinery.

A written document that provides direction or advice on how to proceed with a task or project.

The government issued guidelines for local businesses to follow during the pandemic.

A standard that can help to inform decisions or actions.

We follow the guidelines established by the industry to ensure quality.

The word 'guideline' is derived from 'guide' + 'line', referring to a line that serves as a guide.

guideline for action

A set of instructions used to direct behavior or processes.

follow the guidelines

To adhere to the established rules or recommendations.

guide

A person or thing that helps to direct or advise.

manual

A handbook or guide that explains how to do something.

policy

A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by an organization.

A loose set of recommendations or suggestions, not strict rules.

We treat those rules more like guidelines than hard rules.