Direction: meaning, definitions and examples

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direction

 

[dɪˈrɛkʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in geography

the position towards which someone or something moves or faces.

Synonyms

bearing, heading, orientation.

Examples of usage

  • She looked in the direction of the river.
  • We need to change direction to reach our destination.
Context #2 | Noun

in instructions

the instructions given to direct the movement or behavior of someone or something.

Synonyms

commands, guidance, instructions.

Examples of usage

  • Please follow the directions on the map.
  • The teacher provided clear directions for the experiment.
Context #3 | Noun

in a general sense

a course along which someone or something moves.

Synonyms

course, path, trajectory.

Examples of usage

  • The company is heading in a new direction.
  • He decided to take his life in a different direction.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'directio,' meaning 'to lay straight' or 'to set straight.'
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally used in contexts relating to guidance.

Navigation

  • Early navigators relied on celestial bodies, like stars, to determine direction before modern compasses were invented.
  • In geography, cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) help people navigate the world.

Psychology

  • Research shows that clear direction can significantly enhance motivation and performance in tasks.
  • People often find it easier to set goals when they have a clear direction, leading to better outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, a strong 'direction' can make or break the success of a film by influencing how the story unfolds.
  • Songs like 'Direction of the Wind' reflect feelings of searching for purpose or guidance in life.

Technology

  • GPS technology has revolutionized how we find direction, allowing real-time tracking and user-friendly navigation.
  • Mobile applications now include features that not only give direction but also suggest routes, traffic updates, and places of interest.

Translations

Translations of the word "direction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 direção

🇮🇳 दिशा

🇩🇪 Richtung

🇮🇩 arah

🇺🇦 напрямок

🇵🇱 kierunek

🇯🇵 方向 (ほうこう)

🇫🇷 direction

🇪🇸 dirección

🇹🇷 yön

🇰🇷 방향

🇸🇦 اتجاه

🇨🇿 směr

🇸🇰 smer

🇨🇳 方向 (fāngxiàng)

🇸🇮 smer

🇮🇸 átt

🇰🇿 бағыт

🇬🇪 მიმართულება

🇦🇿 istiqamət

🇲🇽 dirección

Word Frequency Rank

At #620 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.