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

Over the past few years, the federal government has supported the private space industry by issuing space policy directives and re-forming the Space Council. — Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "The 4 Things That Could Hobble the Commercial Space Revolution," 14 Jan. 2019 This was the type of directive he was given when he was hired: to increase the relevancy of Calvin Klein in the fashion world, which meant focusing efforts on his runway collection. — Chavie Lieber, Vox, "The Calvin Klein brand hired big-name fashion designer Raf Simons to build relevancy. Now he’s out.," 27 Dec. 2018 My collection for Corbett is, as such, a very varied and colorful range of products that have not one directive, but many—offering the end user a wonderful array of products and styles to incorporate into their interiors. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Martyn Lawrence Bullard's Corbett Lighting Collection Is Gorgeously Extravagant," 14 Nov. 2018 Additionally, Vice President Mike Pence announced this morning that President Trump plans to sign a directive related to the establishment of the Space Force — a new branch of the military — in the coming days. — Loren Grush, The Verge, "Space Command is coming back, but Space Force still needs approval from Congress," 18 Dec. 2018 The new directive comes as state officials and lawmakers investigate the hiring of Al Alvarez, a former campaign staffer to Gov. Phil Murphy. — Kate King, WSJ, "New Jersey Attorney General Strengthens Rules in Sexual-Assault Cases," 27 Nov. 2018 If those three bodies agree to a final directive, then it will be sent to each of the 28 EU member countries (or more likely 27 thanks to Brexit) for implementation in national laws. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "What’s in the sweeping copyright bill just passed by the European Parliament," 12 Sep. 2018 The new directive is part of the continuing debate on how communities limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. — Joseph De Avila, WSJ, "New Jersey Attorney General Shields Immigrants With New Directive," 29 Nov. 2018 At Facebook, on the other hand, the prime directive is still user growth. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Google has a big advantage over Facebook in a crisis," 10 Oct. 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.