directive

1 of 2

adjective

di·​rec·​tive də-ˈrek-tiv How to pronounce directive (audio)
dī-
1
: serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence
a directive method
2
: serving to point direction
specifically : directional sense 1b
directive microphones
3
psychology : of or relating to psychotherapy or counseling in which the counselor introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client

directive

2 of 2

noun

: something that serves to direct, guide, and usually impel toward an action or goal
especially, government : an authoritative order or instrument issued by a high-level body or official
a presidential directive

Examples of directive in a Sentence

Noun They received a written directive instructing them to develop new security measures. the company president regularly issues directives intended for all staff members
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
This rapid advance is due to China’s more directive government but also the public’s willingness to embrace the tech. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Dec. 2024 Leaders should gauge the urgency and consider combining this style with a more directive approach when necessary. Andriana Eliadis, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024
Noun
Monitor internal communications and updates from your agency regarding new directives, policy changes, or structural adjustments. Tom Spiggle, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 This approach is misaligned with key norms like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the EU’s corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD), which require meaningful engagement with stakeholders at each stage of the due diligence process. Áine Clarke, Sourcing Journal, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for directive 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see direct entry 1

Noun

see direct entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of directive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near directive

Cite this Entry

“Directive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directive. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

directive

noun
di·​rec·​tive
də-ˈrek-tiv,
dī-
: something that guides or directs
especially : a general instruction from a high-level body or official

Medical Definition

directive

adjective
di·​rec·​tive də-ˈrek-tiv, dī- How to pronounce directive (audio)
: of or relating to psychotherapy in which the therapist introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client

More from Merriam-Webster on directive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!