directive
Americannoun
adjective
-
tending to direct; directing
-
indicating direction
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of directive
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word dīrēctīvus. See direct, -ive
Explanation
A directive is an order or official notice that comes from an authority. The directive from your boss instructing all employees to wear silly hats on Fridays might be hard to take seriously. Directives often come from employers, governments, supervisors, judges, or other authority figures. A math teacher might issue a directive to all students banning smart phones in the classroom after the school principal releases a directive instructing all math teachers to find ways to cut down on cheating during exams. Directive is also an adjective, meaning "helping to guide or manage."
Vocabulary lists containing directive
"When Do Kids Become Adults?" by Laurence Steinberg, et al.
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Nazi Hunters
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Unteachables
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
An advance healthcare directive informs your doctors about what actions you want them to take if you are no longer able to make those decisions.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026
Most upsetting, though, was the directive that he and other industry operations investigators received in late summer to start spending at least six hours per week on immigration-related work.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
So far, the primary directive is to find someone who can focus on priorities such as higher pay, more stable jobs, reducing poverty and promoting racial equity.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
Singh is not the first Bollywood actor to face a non-cooperation directive from FWICE, although such action against major stars is relatively rare.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
Believers, including the Posts, Capron, and Willets, discussed the spirits’ directive in depth.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
