Guideposts

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Physical markers or signs that indicate a direction or provide information on a path
2. Figurative reference points that help to navigate through decisions or experiences in life
3. Symbols or indicators serving as useful benchmarks for behavior or progress in various contexts

Etymology: A guidepost is a compound of "guide" and "post," and the second half is the older of the two. "Post" came into English from Latin "postis," meaning doorpost or upright timber, so the earliest guideposts were literally fixed wooden stakes planted in the ground. The idea of a post as a fixed, upright marker is what makes the compound work: the post stays put while travelers pass it. "Guide" entered English through Old French "guider," which most likely derives from a Germanic source. Its underlying sense is leading or steering someone along a course, so the two halves combine a verb of directing with an object that stands still. The result describes a sign that does the work of a human guide by indicating the way to go.

Synonyms: signposts, markers, indicators

Antonyms: obstacles, barriers