directive

[ dih-rek-tiv, dahy- ]

/ dɪˈrɛk tɪv, daɪ- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR directive ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

serving to direct; directing: a directive board.

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

an authoritative instruction or direction; specific order: a new directive by the president on foreign aid.

Nearby words

directional derivative, directional drilling, directional microphone, directionless, directions, directive, directly, directoire, director, director general, director of education

Origin of directive

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

Related formsself-di·rec·tive, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for directive

The directive dates back to 1986, was kept secret and reportedly was abolished.
The Ghosts of Gaza: Israel’s Soldier Suicides|Creede Newton|October 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Forcing them to abide by that directive through law is quite another.
Will Congress Back Medical Marijuana?|Abby Haglage|May 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Lunch ladies were reportedly in tears being forced carry out a directive that goes against the entire purpose of their work.
The Schools That Starve Students to Punish Deadbeat Parents|Brandy Zadrozny|January 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
According to a directive sent to local county health departments, navigators are not allowed to conduct outreach on their grounds.
Fringe Factor: Wendy Davis Is Too Stupid to Be Governor|Caitlin Dickson|September 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST

The government knowingly allowed the military-intelligence complex to repeatedly disregard its directive.
America’s Secret Government Program to Hire Nazi War Criminals|Richard Rashke|August 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Some stress as the directive factor the continuous action of the stimulating agent on sensitive tissues symmetrically situated.
Being Well-Born|Michael F. Guyer
The child must himself be originative, directive, and executive in the learning process if cram is to be avoided completely.
Dickens As an Educator|James L. (James Laughlin) Hughes
The second point is this: It is wise to put our directive force where the power is.
The American Missionary -- Volume 33, No. 02, February, 1879|Various
In all cases, a directive, to be suitable as a guide for others, has as its origin a plan.
Sound Military Decision|U.s. Naval War College
The directive is addressed for action solely to the commanders of the task forces or task groups listed in the task organization.
Sound Military Decision|U.s. Naval War College

British Dictionary definitions for directive

directive

/ (dɪˈrɛktɪv, daɪ-) /

noun

an instruction; order

adjective

tending to direct; directing

indicating direction

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for directive

directive

adj.

mid-15c., from Medieval Latin directivus, from past participle stem of Latin dirigere (see direct (v.)). From 1640s as a noun.

directive

adjective

noun

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Origin of directive

Examples from the Web for directive

British Dictionary definitions for directive

directive

noun

adjective

Word Origin and History for directive

directive