directive

American  

[dih-rek-tiv, dahy-] / dɪˈrɛk tɪv, daɪ- /

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.

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noun

1. an authoritative instruction or direction; specific order.

   a new directive by the president on foreign aid.

directive British  

/ daɪ-, dɪˈrɛktɪv /

noun

1. an instruction; order

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adjective

1. tending to direct; directing

2. 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

Example Sentences

Shah wrote that while he may not have jurisdiction to block a simple grant termination, he did have jurisdiction to halt an administration directive to terminate funding based on unconstitutional grounds.

From Los Angeles Times

If vegetables feel like an obligation, tuck them into dense spoon salads, lemony beans and produce-packed pastas that eat like a treat rather than a directive.

From Salon

Los Angeles police officers must turn on their body cameras at the scene of federal immigration enforcement operations and preserve the footage, according to an executive directive issued by Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

“There is also an AI bonus element, but the prime directive must be ensuring the long-term survival of consciousness.”

From MarketWatch

“There is also an AI bonus element, but the prime directive must be ensuring the long-term survival of consciousness.”

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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