Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Directing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎬
Add to dictionary

directing

[dəˈrɛktɪŋ ]

Definitions

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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Theatre and Film

  • The role of a director in theatre dates back to the ancient Greeks, where they were responsible for guiding performances.
  • Famous directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese are known for their unique styles, shaping film as we know it today.
  • Directing involves collaboration with actors, writers, and crew to realize a shared vision, often while making tough decisions.

Psychology

  • Effective directing requires strong leadership skills, including communication, motivation, and creativity.
  • Research shows that directors often use psychological techniques to understand and convey characters' emotions to engage audiences.
  • Empathy is crucial in directing, as understanding different perspectives helps create authentic and relatable stories.

Cultural Impact

  • Directing has the power to influence cultures; films can challenge societal norms and provoke thought.
  • Women in directing, like Ava DuVernay and Greta Gerwig, are reshaping the landscape of storytelling in film and theatre.
  • In various cultures, directing styles can differ significantly, reflecting local traditions, values, and narratives.

Technology in Directing

  • Modern directing often involves technology, utilizing virtual reality and digital tools to enhance storytelling.
  • Cinematography techniques, pioneered by directors, have evolved with technology, allowing for innovative visual storytelling.
  • Editing software now allows directors to refine their vision more efficiently, changing the way films are crafted.

Origin of 'directing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'directing' comes from the Latin 'directus', meaning 'to guide or lead straight'.
  • In English, 'direct' has been used since the 14th century, deriving from earlier meanings of guiding or managing.
  • The suffix '-ing' is used to denote the action or process of the root verb, making 'directing' indicate the ongoing act of guiding.

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.