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 of directive

Noun

• instruction
• edict
• order
• direction
• injunction

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

This might look like Mom making the morning routine happen with warm and directive encouragement, while Dad takes charge of enforcing bedtime routines. — Angela J. Narayan, The Conversation, 9 June 2026

During periods of challenge and pressure, the leader became increasingly directive, critical and demeaning. — Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 2 June 2026

Noun

Brennan argues the records are vital to a potential vindictive-prosecution defense, citing more than 100 Trump statements attacking him and directives to pursue cases without legal basis. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

The president signed his directive aiming to restrict birthright citizenship on his first day back in the White House as part of a sweeping crackdown on immigration. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 June 2026

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

Rhymes for directive

• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• corrective
• defective
• detective
• effective
• elective
• infective
• injective

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