1

directive

adjective di·rec·tive \ də-ˈrek-tiv , dī- \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Examples: directive in a Sentence

Definition of directive

1 : serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence

a directive method

2 : serving to point direction; specifically : directional 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

Recent Examples of directive from the Web

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

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.

Origin and Etymology of directive

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

2

directive

noun

Definition of directive

: 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

See directive defined for English-language learners

See directive defined for kids

Examples of directive in a Sentence

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 of directive from the Web

But upon entering office, Trump issued a directive to essentially go after everyone who was in the country illegally.

— david ovalle, miamiherald, "Feds decided to deport her — two decades after her Miami marijuana arrest," 5 July 2018
The draft directive also contains provisions for improving transparency in royalty accounting to performers and rights holders, as well as proposals for making contracts and payments fairer in the digital world.

— richard smirke, Billboard, "Music Industry Bosses Decry 'Missed Opportunity' As European Union Rejects Copyright Bill," 5 July 2018
Because the law requires platforms to monitor its users' online activity, the directive could also fall foul of Europe's data protection legislation.

— scott roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, "European Parliament Rejects Controversial Copyright Law," 5 July 2018
The militant group has reportedly issued a general directive banning plastic bags, and gave environmental and health risks to the livestock as reasons for taking the move.

— rukmini callimachi, New York Times, "Al Qaeda-Backed Terrorist Group Has a New Target: Plastic Bags," 4 July 2018
But critics argue that the directive will result in the widespread use of automatic filters.

— klint finley, WIRED, "Europe Considers a New Copyright Law. Here's Why That Matters," 20 June 2018
But the directive seemed to take defense officials by surprise.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "Trump announces plans for a new military branch: 'Space Force'," 19 June 2018
In 2006 the European Union issued a directive requiring mobile-phone firms to keep customers’ metadata for up to two years.

— The Economist, "Does China’s digital police state have echoes in the West?," 31 May 2018
As a result, Qatar’s ministry of Economy and Commerce issued a directive on Saturday to find new suppliers for those products, including frozen chicken breasts and shampoos, still originating from the four countries.

— nicolas parasie, WSJ, "Qatar Orders Contraband Saudi Products Off Store Shelves," 27 May 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of directive

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1902

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

directive Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Near Antonyms

appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging;

proposal, recommendation, suggestion;

Related Words

demand, requirement;

countermand, counterorder;

law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule;

ordinance, regulation, statute;

DIRECTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

directive

noun

Definition of directive for English Language Learners

: an official order or instruction

Medical Dictionary

directive

adjective di·rec·tive \ də-ˈrek-tiv, dī- \

medical Definition of directive

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

Learn More about directive

See words that rhyme with directive Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for directive Spanish Central: Translation of directive Nglish: Translation of directive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of directive for Arabic speakers

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