directive
Americannoun
adjective
-
tending to direct; directing
-
indicating direction
Other Word Forms
- self-directive adjective
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.
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The Nazi Hunters
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The Unteachables
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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.
If he does not wish to be on life support, for example, this advance-healthcare directive would say so.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
Maxim, 49, said the health ministry directive was only a recommendation.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
After awakening, the biome’s newly cultivated gut flora will respond to your neurological directive, allowing you to ultimately control when — and where — your wind breaks.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
Lin’s ruling bars any implementation of Hegseth’s directive issued via social media.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
"Certain charges have just been made . . ." "Charges? Have I failed to carry out some directive?"
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
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.
