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

For 109 years, residents have used directional descriptors — City Hall is on the east side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and 7th avenues — instead of building numbers.

From Los Angeles Times

OpenAI’s chief financial officer, Sarah Friar, further explained the rationale behind the company’s directional shift in a blog post on Sunday.

From MarketWatch

The second is the Treasury issuing bills to fund a buyback of longer issues, which is directionally similar to the Fed’s Operation Twist in 2011 and 2012.

From Barron's

“If mortgage rates on average started with a five—especially in the spring selling season, instead of 6.2% or above—directionally, that’s much better for housing,” he said.

From Barron's

“If mortgage rates on average started with a five—especially in the spring selling season, instead of 6.2% or above—directionally, that’s much better for housing,” he said.

From Barron's