遇到读音相近意思却不同的词时，我们可一定要仔细区分。比如， “council”、“counsel” 和 “console” 这三个读音相似的单词有着怎样不同的含义和用法？

首先，这三个单词中，前两个词的读音通常是完全一样的，最后一个区别也不大：

• council, counsel: [ˈkaʊns(ə)l]

• console: [ˈkɑnˌsoʊl]

意义上的区别

'A council' is a group of people that represent a particular group or organisation. They're usually chosen or elected to make decisions or give advice. Council” 的意思是 “委员会；理事会”。比如，“city council” 指 “代表一座城市进行决策的委员会”，而 “arts council” 可以指 “代表某个地区艺术家或艺术团体的委员会”。

When I had a problem with my flat, I went to the town council for advice.
（当我的公寓出问题的时候，我去了城镇委员会寻求建议。）

'Counsel' means to give advice for social or personal problems. You might know it better by the noun, 'counselling'. 这个词作动词时的意思是 “提出建议；提供咨询”。

如果某人由于压力或悲伤需要感情上的支持，就可能需要 “counselling（心理咨询）” 的服务。而提供咨询的人也被称为 “counsellor”。

Experts have been brought in to counsel anyone affected by the disaster.（专家已经被请来为受灾情影响的人提供心理咨询。）

“Counsel” 作动词时可以和人称代词以及介词连用，来表达 “为某人提供某事相关的咨询或建议”。当使用的介词为 “on” 时，通常衔接以连词 “how”、“when” 或 “why” 等引导的定语从句；而当使用的介词为 “about” 时，通常衔接名词或名词性从句。请听两个例句。

She counsels homeless people on how to find jobs and housing.（她为无家可归的人如何求职和寻找住房提供咨询。）

He counsels people about grief and how to cope with it. （他为人们提供如何应对悲痛的心理咨询。）

Console is a verb that means to make a person who is sad or disappointed feel better, usually by comforting them and giving sympathy. Note that the stress is on the second syllable, 'console'.

“Console” 在作动词时重音在第二个音节上。“Console” 的意思是 “安慰”。

- I was feeling sad because I left my lunch at home…
- Then I would console you! I understand it's annoying, I'm sorry. But, at least you'll be able to eat it when you get home?
- I guess. Thanks.

Her exam results weren't what she expected, but we all consoled her. （她的考试结果并没有达到她的预期，但我们纷纷安慰了她。）

Go and console him. He's upset because of you! （去安慰一下他吧。他是因为你才难过的！）

A 'console' is a noun and it means a device with controls that can be used for things like electronic equipment, vehicles and games.

“Console” 作名词时重音要放在第一个音节上。“Console” 的意思是 “电子设备、交通工具或电子游戏的操作台或控制器”。

Pass me that games console. It's my turn! 把游戏机交给我。轮到我玩了！”