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 Kommersant newspaper obtained a copy of a directive that Rogozin has issued to the leaders of companies and facilities that serve Roscosmos. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Rocket Report: Kazakhstan picks SpaceX, SLS cost savings, Minuteman test," 9 Nov. 2018 Much of the outrage has been over two parts of the directive: Articles 11 and 13. — James Vincent, The Verge, "Everything you need to know about Europe’s new copyright directive," 13 Sep. 2018 As a result of that directive, migrant children were taken from their parents when families illegally crossed the southern border from Mexico. — Noah Bierman, latimes.com, "Ivanka Trump helps unveil administration report that decries the effect of separating children from parents," 28 June 2018 The law codifies much of a directive the Department of Correction put in place in February, which outlines procedures for assessing and dealing with gender non-conforming inmates. — Pat Eaton-robb, courant.com, "Law: Trans Inmates In Connecticut Will Be Housed Appropriately," 26 May 2018 On May 21st Mr Trump signed the repeal of a directive imposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on car lending under the previous administration. — The Economist, "A rare bipartisan moment allows a timid rollback of banking regulation," 24 May 2018 The airline stressed that the related cancellations are not the result of a directive last Friday by the FAA but rather its earlier decision to voluntarily hasten checks of the engine fan blades. — Lori Weisberg, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Southwest engine inspections force flight cancellations in San Diego, across the nation," 23 Apr. 2018 Southwest has said the engine on the plane involved in Monday’s incident would not have been subject to the parameters of the FAA directive. — Jason Laughlin, Philly.com, "Southwest wanted more time for inspections to spot engine flaws like the one that killed a woman Monday," 19 Apr. 2018 This article was originally published on 6/20/2018 and has been updated to reflect changes to the directive and its ultimate passage by the EU Parliament. — 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.