'guide' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'guider', where it meant 'to lead or show the way.'

'guide' changed from Old French 'guider' and entered Middle English (forms like 'guien'/'giden'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'guide'.

Initially, it meant 'to lead or show the way'; over time it retained that core sense and broadened to include written or instructional 'guides' and figurative meanings like 'to advise or direct.'