Suggestion vs. Advice — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
A suggestion is a proposal or idea for consideration, while advice is a recommendation about what someone should do.
Difference Between Suggestion and Advice
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Suggestion and advice, both important in communication, carry distinct connotations and uses. A suggestion is a general proposal or idea presented for consideration or possible action. For instance, one might offer a suggestion about a place to dine. Advice, however, is more specific and often rooted in knowledge or experience, guiding someone in a particular situation. An expert might provide advice on financial investments.
In casual conversations, suggestions often come across as less assertive, simply putting forth an idea without pushing for its acceptance. Imagine a friend making a movie suggestion for the weekend. On the other hand, advice tends to carry more weight and authority, as it's typically based on expertise or personal experience. A physician giving health advice would be a prime example.
Suggestion can be more open-ended, allowing for flexibility and interpretation. "Have you considered trying yoga?" is a suggestion that leaves room for contemplation. Advice tends to be more directive, often highlighting a course of action based on sound reasoning. "You should elevate your injured leg to reduce swelling," is advice rooted in medical knowledge.
To encapsulate, while both suggestion and advice aim to guide or propose, the former is generally more casual and open, while the latter is often more authoritative and specific.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A proposal for consideration.
A recommendation about a course of action.
ADVERTISEMENT
Assertiveness
Typically less assertive.
Usually more authoritative.
Basis
Can be based on preference or whim.
Often based on knowledge or experience.
Open-endedness
More open to interpretation.
More directive and specific.
Examples
Places to eat, movies to watch.
Medical recommendations, financial guidelines.
Compare with Definitions
Suggestion
A proposal put forth for consideration.
I have a suggestion for our next vacation spot.
Advice
Guidance or recommendations concerning future action.
She gave me sound advice about saving money.
Suggestion
An idea or plan offered casually.
My suggestion is to try the new cafe downtown.
Advice
Information or notice given.
I received advice of the shipment's arrival.
Suggestion
An idea or thought prompted by external influence.
The painting gives a suggestion of a stormy sea.
Advice
An opinion or suggestion about what someone should do.
My grandmother's advice was to always stay humble.
Suggestion
An indirect or subtle reference.
Her remarks had a suggestion of sarcasm.
Advice
Formal notice of a fact or situation.
The bank sent advice of the transaction.
Suggestion
Suggestion is the psychological process by which one person guides the thoughts, feelings, or behavior of another person. Nineteenth-century writers on psychology such as William James used the words "suggest" and "suggestion" in the context of a particular idea which was said to suggest another when it brought that other idea to mind.
Advice
Opinion about what could or should be done about a situation or problem; counsel.
Suggestion
The act of suggesting
Bought the book at my suggestion.
Advice
Often advices Information communicated; news
Advices from an ambassador.
Suggestion
Something suggested
Are you going to follow my suggestions?.
Advice
(uncountable) An opinion offered to guide behavior in an effort to be helpful.
She was offered various pieces of advice on what to do with her new-found wealth.
On the advice of her doctor, Mary cut down on her carbohydrates.
I have some useful advice to give you.
Sushil never took the advice of his parents, but still became rich.
Suggestion
The sequential process by which one thought or mental image leads to another.
Advice
Deliberate consideration; knowledge.
Suggestion
A psychological process by which an idea is induced in or adopted by another without argument, command, or coercion.
Advice
Information or news given; intelligence
Late advices from France
Suggestion
An idea or response so induced.
Advice
(countable) In language about financial transactions executed by formal documents, an advisory document.
An advice of an incoming settlement payment order may be given to an off-line receiving bank.
Suggestion
A hint or trace
Just a suggestion of makeup.
The first suggestion of trouble ahead.
Advice
(uncountable) In commercial language, information communicated by letter; used chiefly in reference to drafts or bills of exchange
A letter of advice
Suggestion
(countable) Something suggested (with subsequent adposition being for)
I have a small suggestion for fixing this: try lifting the left side up a bit.
Make a suggestion
Traffic signs seem to be more of a suggestion than an order.
Advice
A communication providing information, such as how an uncertain area of law might apply to possible future actions
An advice issued by a Monitoring Committee could be applicable in a Dutch court
Suggestion
(uncountable) The act of suggesting.
Suggestion often works better than explicit demand.
Advice
Counseling to perform a specific legal act.
Suggestion
Something implied, which the mind is liable to take as fact.
He’s somehow picked up the suggestion that I like peanuts.
Advice
Counseling to perform a specific illegal act.
Suggestion
The act of exercising control over a hypnotised subject by communicating some belief or impulse by means of words or gestures; the idea so suggested.
Advice
In aspect-oriented programming, the code whose execution is triggered when a join point is reached.
Suggestion
Information, insinuation, speculation, as opposed to a sworn testimony and evidence.
Advice
An opinion recommended or offered, as worthy to be followed; counsel.
We may give advice, but we can not give conduct.
Suggestion
The act of suggesting; presentation of an idea.
Advice
Deliberate consideration; knowledge.
How shall I dote on her with more advice,That thus without advice begin to love her?
Suggestion
That which is suggested; an intimation; an insinuation; a hint; a different proposal or mention; also, formerly, a secret incitement; temptation.
Why do I yield to that suggestion?
Advice
Information or notice given; intelligence; as, late advices from France; - commonly in the plural.
Suggestion
Charge; complaint; accusation.
Advice
Counseling to perform a specific illegal act.
Suggestion
Information without oath; an entry of a material fact or circumstance on the record for the information of the court, at the death or insolvency of a party.
Advice
A proposal for an appropriate course of action
Suggestion
The act or power of originating or recalling ideas or relations, distinguished as original and relative; - a term much used by Scottish metaphysicians from Hutcherson to Thomas Brown.
Advice
Counsel provided based on knowledge or experience.
He sought legal advice before proceeding.
Suggestion
The control of the mind of an hypnotic subject by ideas in the mind of the hypnotizer.
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike.
Arthur, whom they say is killed to-nightOn your suggestion.
Suggestion
An idea that is suggested;
The picnic was her suggestion
Suggestion
A proposal offered for acceptance or rejection;
It was a suggestion we couldn't refuse
Suggestion
A just detectable amount;
He speaks French with a trace of an accent
Suggestion
Persuasion formulated as a suggestion
Suggestion
The sequential mental process in which one thought leads to another by association
Suggestion
The act of inducing hypnosis
Suggestion
A hint or trace of something.
There's a suggestion of mint in this dish.
Common Curiosities
Is a suggestion binding in nature?
No, a suggestion is just a proposal and isn't binding.
Does advice always come from experts?
No, while advice can come from experts, it can also come from peers, friends, and family.
Is advice always based on facts?
Not always. While advice is often rooted in knowledge, it can also be based on personal experiences or opinions.
Is every suggestion rooted in experience?
No, suggestions can be based on whims, preferences, or experiences.
Are suggestions always verbal?
No, suggestions can be conveyed non-verbally, such as through gestures or visual cues.
Can a suggestion influence decision-making?
Yes, even though it's not binding, a suggestion can influence decisions.
How does a suggestion differ in assertiveness from advice?
Suggestions are generally less assertive, while advice tends to be more authoritative.
Can a suggestion be vague?
Yes, suggestions can be vague or open-ended, allowing room for interpretation.
Can taking advice have consequences?
Yes, acting on advice can have outcomes, so it's essential to consider the source and context.
Can advice be informal?
Yes, advice can be both formal and informal.
Which is typically more casual: a suggestion or advice?
A suggestion is typically more casual than advice.
What's the main goal of advice?
The main goal of advice is to guide or recommend a course of action based on knowledge or experience.
Is seeking professional advice typically free?
Not always. Professionals, like lawyers or consultants, often charge for their advice.
Can you decline a suggestion?
Absolutely. Suggestions are proposals, and one can choose to accept or decline them.
Is unsolicited advice common?
Yes, people often give advice without being asked, though it's up to the individual whether to consider it.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Pikachu vs. Raichu
Next Comparison
Rigid vs. SolidAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
