Directing: meaning, definitions and examples

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directing

 

[ dəˈrɛktɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

film

The action or skill of directing a film, play, or other production.

Synonyms

guidance, leadership, supervision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
directing

Used when talking about giving orders, instructions, or control over a specific task or performance.

  • He is directing the new play at the local theater.
  • The manager is directing the team on how to complete the project.
guidance

Used when talking about offering advice, support, or help to someone to achieve something or to make decisions. This word often has a supportive or instructive nuance.

  • She provided guidance to the students choosing their future careers.
  • The mentor's guidance was crucial to his success.
leadership

Used when referring to the ability or role of leading a group, organization, or country. Implies taking initiative and inspiring others.

  • Her strong leadership has transformed the company.
  • Leadership qualities are essential for a good manager.
supervision

Used when talking about overseeing and monitoring tasks, activities, or people to ensure they meet certain standards or conditions. It often involves a higher level of control and oversight.

  • The workers need constant supervision to ensure safety.
  • Under the supervision of the head chef, the kitchen runs smoothly.

Examples of usage

  • She has a natural talent for directing.
  • He studied directing at the prestigious film school.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To give instructions or orders for a task, project, or production.

Synonyms

command, guide, lead.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
directing

Used when describing the act of giving instructions or orders to achieve a specific task, often in an organized or formal setting.

  • She is directing the team for the upcoming project.
  • The film director is directing the actors in the scene.
command

Used when referring to authoritative control or a position of power, often in military or strict hierarchical settings.

  • The captain is in command of the ship.
  • He gave a command to his subordinates.
lead

Used when taking charge or showing the way in various contexts, often implying responsibility and influence.

  • He was chosen to lead the new team.
  • She has the talent to lead the company to success.

Examples of usage

  • She is directing the team to complete the project by the end of the week.
  • The manager is directing the staff on the new company policy.

Translations

Translations of the word "directing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 direção

🇮🇳 निर्देशन (Nirdeshan)

🇩🇪 Regie

🇮🇩 penyutradaraan

🇺🇦 режисура

🇵🇱 reżyseria

🇯🇵 監督 (Kantoku)

🇫🇷 mise en scène

🇪🇸 dirección

🇹🇷 yönetmenlik

🇰🇷 감독 (Gamdo)

🇸🇦 إخراج (Ikhraj)

🇨🇿 režie

🇸🇰 režisérstvo

🇨🇳 导演 (Dǎoyǎn)

🇸🇮 režija

🇮🇸 leikstjórn

🇰🇿 режиссура

🇬🇪 რეჟისურა (Rezhisura)

🇦🇿 rejissorluq

🇲🇽 dirección

Etymology

The word 'directing' originated from the Latin word 'directus', the past participle of 'dirigere', which means 'to straighten' or 'to direct'. The term has been used in various contexts over the centuries, evolving to its current meaning in the fields of film, theater, and other productions.

See also: bidirectional, direct, directability, direction, directions, directive, directiveness, directives, directly, directness, director, directorial, directors, directory, indirect, misdirect, misdirection, undirected.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,257 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.