directive

1 of 2

adjective

di·​rec·​tive də-ˈrek-tiv 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• behest
• charge
• command
• commandment
• decree
• dictate
• direction
• do
• edict
• imperative
• injunction
• instruction
• order
• word

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

Adjective

Leaders should gauge the urgency and consider combining this style with a more directive approach when necessary. —Andriana Eliadis, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024

In urgent situations, coaching may need to be complemented by more directive styles to ensure swift decisions are made and immediate challenges are addressed effectively. —Andriana Eliadis, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024

Noun

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is known to be friendly to agribusiness and knows that transparency about the harsh realities of infectious disease outbreaks would diminish consumer trust and threaten its prime directive: To expand markets for producers. —Crystal Heath and Gene Baur, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024

The forum’s other directives speak to a culture of understanding. —Oscar Holland, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing directive

• advance directive
• airworthiness directive
• self-directive

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- 

: of or relating to psychotherapy in which the therapist introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client