directive

[dih-rek-tiv, dahy-]

adjective

1. serving to direct; directing.

   a directive board.

2. Psychology.,  pertaining to a type of psychotherapy in which the therapist actively offers advice and information rather than dealing only with information supplied by the patient.

noun

1. an authoritative instruction or direction; specific order.

   a new directive by the president on foreign aid.

directive

/ daɪ-, dɪˈrɛktɪv /

noun

1. an instruction; order

adjective

1. tending to direct; directing

2. indicating direction

Other Word Forms

• self-directive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of directive¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word dīrēctīvus. See direct, -ive

Example Sentences

In Chevron the court told agencies that they could interpret directives however they wished, so long as they came up with a “permissible construction of the statute.”

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A European Union directive established several years ago to better protect workers also requires that companies establish whistleblowing programs to receive reports of wrongdoing or questionable conduct.

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A survey of EU executives by the law firm DWF Group found that they estimate compliance with the directive will cost them 9% of annual revenue on average.

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A police officer who publicly challenged the shoot-to-kill directives was transferred to a remote station.

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The directive sought to drive Iranian oil exports to zero.

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Related Words

• decree 
• edict 
• injunction 
• mandate 
• memo 
• memorandum 
• message 
• notice 
• order 
• regulation 
• ruling