directive
Americannoun
adjective
-
tending to direct; directing
-
indicating direction
Other Word 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.
Several other leading players - including men's world number one Jannik Sinner and four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek - also followed the 'work-to-rule' directive in Friday's pre-tournament media day.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
One April in the mid-1990s, Football Focus visited Crystal Palace after a new directive was introduced to make goals 2ft wider and 2ft taller...
From BBC • May 21, 2026
One who takes seriously Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, with its directive to place the care of community, especially the outcast, vulnerable and afflicted, over the desire for personal gain.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
This directive must hold true in good times as well as bad.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
Elissa asked her when they heard the directive.
From "Son" by Lois Lowry
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.
