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Guideline vs Indicator - What's the difference?

guideline | indicator |

As a noun guideline

is a non-specific rule or principle that provides direction to action or behaviour.

As a proper noun indicator is

.

guideline

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A non-specific rule or principle that provides direction to action or behaviour.
  • He considered the Ten Commandments more a guideline than a requirement.
  • A plan or explanation to guide one in setting standards or determining a course of action.
  • A light line, used in lettering, to help align the text.
  • Synonyms

    * (non-specific rule) rule of thumb * (plan or explanation) rule of thumb

    indicator

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A pointer or index that indicates something.
  • A meter or gauge.
  • The needle or dial on such a meter.
  • (chemistry) Any of many substances, such as litmus, used to indicate the concentration of a substance, or the degree of a reaction.
  • (ecology) A plant or animal whose presence is indicative of some specific environment.
  • (economics) A measure, such as unemployment rate, which can be used to predict economic trends.
  • (UK, Australia) A trafficator.
  • A bird, the honeyguide.
  • Synonyms

    * blinker (informal), directional, directional signal, trafficator, turn indicator, turn signal (US)

    Derived terms

    * economic indicator * key performance indicator