directive

adjective

di·rec·tive | \ də-ˈrek-tiv

, dī-\

Definition of directive

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

noun

Definition of directive (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about directive

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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

Most intriguingly, the new app will take a more directive approach to making suggestions to drivers about where to go and what to do. — Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, "3 Million Uber Drivers Are About to Get a New Boss," 10 Apr. 2018 Garcetti signed a directive two weeks ago prohibiting all city employees from using public resources to aide federal civil immigration actions. — The Washington Post, The Denver Post, "Attorney General Sessions seeks greater role for Justice Department in immigration enforcement," 1 Apr. 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The 5-4 directive, issued just before 3 a.m. Friday, overruled lower-court decisions and prompted a frustrated dissent from the liberal minority, which had asked for a chance to discuss the case at the court’s regular private meeting on Friday. ... — Jess Bravin, WSJ, "Supreme Court Denies Reprieve to Alabama Death-Row Inmate," 12 Apr. 2019 The new guidelines removed the definition of parental rights from the directive, as well as the section encouraging prosecutors to use discretion in cases of parents with minor children. — NBC News, "Separated from son, one migrant mom takes on the feds," 7 July 2018 The series of directives, dated May 2, May 4, and May 5, were issued just days before the Pentagon is expected to release the results of an investigation into the soldiers’ deaths outside the western Nigerian village of Tongo Tongo. — Thomas Gibbons-neff And Eric Schmitt, BostonGlobe.com, "US commandos in Africa told to avoid direct combat," 9 May 2018 The program, which the city adopted to comply with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency directive, involves the construction of green gardens and basins to detain rainwater to prevent pollutants from discharging into streams. — Andrew Maykuth, Philly.com, "Philly has a plan to replace decaying water pipes and sewers. And you will pay for it," 16 Apr. 2018 The service was given a new directive: to fight each and every fire that sparked anywhere in the west. — Kale Williams, OregonLive.com, "Oregon senators help secure wildfire funding 'fix' in federal spending package," 21 Mar. 2018 The directive is usually met with some serious side-eye and whining. — Julie Jargon, WSJ, "Why Videogames Trigger the Nightly Meltdown—and How to Help Your Child Cope," 2 Apr. 2019 The directive largely updates existing copyright law. — Raf Casert, The Seattle Times, "EU parliament backs copyright bill targeting US tech giants," 27 Mar. 2019 One passed into law, states in the EU will have two years to implement specific laws to adhere to the directive. — Eric Limer, Popular Mechanics, "EU Passes New Copyright Rules That Could Have a Disastrous Effect," 26 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'directive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.