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

While authoritarian leadership is generally considered harmful to employees, specific environments require a directive style that demands strict compliance (unlike bullying, which may include intimidation, threats, and undermining someone’s work). —Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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

Noun

The nationwide turmoil stemmed from Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps to detain immigrants living in the United States without legal status under the directive of President Donald Trump. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 12 June 2025

Perhaps the most telling objectives of the Trump administration’s sweeping directives have been orders issued to a number of major law firms in the United States. —Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

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