Directive — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /də-ˈrek-tiv/ di·rec·tive

Meaning & Definition of Directive

Directive (adjective)

  1. serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence
  2. serving to point direction; specifically, directional
  3. of or relating to psychotherapy or counseling in which the counselor introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client

Directive (noun)

  1. something that serves to direct, guide, and usually impel toward an action or goal; especially, government, an authoritative order or instrument issued by a high-level body or official

Directive (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned

    "the company president regularly issues directives intended for all staff members"

    similar: behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, order, word
    related: demand, requirement, mandate, countermand, counterorder, law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule, ordinance, regulation, statute
    near: appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging, proposal, recommendation, suggestion

  2. an order publicly issued by an authority

    "a directive issued by the archbishop that is to be read during Sunday services at every parish"

    similar: bull, decree, diktat, edict, fiat, rescript, ruling, ukase
    related: call, conclusion, decision, deliverance, determination, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, resolution, verdict, announcement, declaration, dictum, manifesto, proclamation, pronouncement, canon, encyclical

  3. a written communication giving information or directions

    "a growing stack of unread directives from the company's senior vice president"

    similar: memo, memorandum, notice
    related: announcement, bulletin, declaration, notification, posting, proclamation, pronouncement, release, dispatch, report, edict, pronunciamento, rescript, charge, command, dictate, directions, instructions, orders, word, encyclical, epistle, jotting, letter, mail, message, missive, note, post (chiefly British)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Directive

The most common words with a similar meaning to Directive:

behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, order, word, bull, diktat, fiat, rescript, ruling, ukase, memo, memorandum, notice

Related Words for Directive

demand, requirement, mandate, countermand, counterorder, law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule, ordinance, regulation, statute, call, conclusion, decision, deliverance, determination, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, resolution, verdict, announcement, declaration, dictum, manifesto, proclamation, pronouncement, canon

Near Antonyms of Directive

appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging, proposal, recommendation, suggestion

Origin & Etymology of Directive

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Directive

advance directive, airworthiness directive, self-directive

Frequently Asked Questions about Directive

What does "Directive" mean?

"Directive" means serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Directive"?

Other words for "Directive" include behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction and do. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Directive" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Directive"?

There are 72 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Directive". Common alternatives include behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, do, edict and imperative.

How do you use "Directive" in a sentence?

Examples of "Directive" in a sentence: "the company president regularly issues directives intended for all staff members"; "a directive issued by the archbishop that is to be read during Sunday services at every parish"; "a growing stack of unread directives from the company's senior vice president".

Is "Directive" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Directive" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Directive"?

"Directive" is pronounced /də-ˈrek-tiv/ and divided into syllables as di·rec·tive.

What is the origin of the word "Directive"?

First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Directive" meaning "a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned"?

When "Directive" (noun) means a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned, synonyms include behest, charge, command, commandment, decree and dictate.