direct
verb (used with object)
to manage or guide by advice, helpful information, instruction, etc..
had directed
-
past perfectof direct.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
On Thursday a notice was published in The Gazette, external - one of the UK's official journals of record - stating that Charles III had directed the cancellation of Donaldson's knighthood.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
The move was unusual in that Bisignano had directed executives to handle his friend’s loan application instead of referring him to rank-and-file bankers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
Other kindly ushers, who had directed people to an adjacent section after Section 535 filled up, politely asked everyone to please put their shirts back on before returning to the general stadium population.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2026
After the attack, Britain's Defence Minister John Healey said he had "directed for UK deliveries of air defence and counter-drone systems to be accelerated as fast as possible."
From Barron's ● May 15, 2026
The trees had risen to meet him as he darted back the way his father had directed.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
