directional

American  

[dih-rek-shuh-nl, dahy-] / dɪˈrɛk ʃə nl, daɪ- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or indicating direction in space.

2. Radio. adapted for determining the direction of signals received, or for transmitting signals in a given direction.

   a directional antenna.

3. of, relating to, or providing guidance or leadership.

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directional British  

/ dɪˈrɛkʃənəl, daɪ- /

adjective

1. of or relating to a spatial direction

2. electronics

   1. having or relating to an increased sensitivity to radio waves, sound waves, nuclear particles, etc, coming from a particular direction

   2. (of an aerial) transmitting or receiving radio waves more effectively in some directions than in others

3. physics electronics

   1. concentrated in, following, or producing motion in a particular direction

   2. indicating direction

4. indicating the direction something, such as a fashion trend, might take

   directional fashion looks

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Other Word Forms

• directionality noun
• directionally adverb
• undirectional adjective

Etymology

Origin of directional

First recorded in 1605–15; direction + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The surge in spending, directionally, is the same as what we saw with the internet cycle.

From Barron's

“While directionally positive in indicating continued engagement with federal and provincial authorities, today’s announcement does not improve project economics, certainty, or timelines,” Peker says.

From The Wall Street Journal

The move is “directionally supportive” for risk assets including crypto, but the impact is incremental, Friedman said.

From MarketWatch

The motion of light elements may explain seismic anisotropy -- directional variations in seismic wave speeds -- and could also play a role in sustaining Earth's magnetic field.

From Science Daily

If the index begins to decline towards 6,500, CTAs will be obliged to offset that directional risk by selling more and more futures as it falls.

From MarketWatch