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Directive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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directive

[dɪˈrɛktɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in management

A directive is an official or authoritative instruction.

Synonyms

command, instruction, order.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
directive

Typically used in formal or official settings, where a higher authority is giving specific guidelines or policies that must be followed.

  • The government issued a new directive on public health measures
  • The CEO's directive requires all employees to adhere to the new safety protocols
instruction

Used when providing detailed steps or guidance on how to perform a specific task. Commonly found in educational, technical, or how-to contexts.

  • Follow the instructions to assemble the furniture
  • The teacher's instructions were clear and easy to follow
order

Occurs in both formal and everyday settings where someone with authority is demanding a specific action or outcome. Can have a negative connotation if used in an authoritative or commanding tone.

  • The manager gave an order to complete the project by Friday
  • The officer's order was to evacuate the building immediately
command

Often used in military contexts or situations involving authority where obedience is expected without question. It carries a strong and direct connotation.

  • The captain gave a command to fire
  • His strict command left no room for argument

Examples of usage

  • The CEO issued a directive to all employees to work from home.
  • The government issued a directive to ban single-use plastics.
Context #2 | Noun

in politics

A directive is a formal or official order from a higher authority.

Synonyms

decree, edict, order.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
directive

Used in official or bureaucratic contexts where instructions are issued with authority, often in organizations or governments.

  • The CEO issued a directive to all employees to start working remotely.
  • The new safety directives must be followed by all construction workers.
order

A general term for any command or instruction given by someone in authority. It can be used in various contexts, from everyday situations to formal settings.

  • The sergeant gave an order to march forward.
  • He was given a direct order to complete the project by the end of the week.
decree

Used for official orders that are publicly announced, often associated with law, government, or monarchies.

  • The king issued a decree to celebrate a national holiday.
  • A royal decree was announced to reform the tax system.
edict

Similar to decree, often used to describe authoritative proclamations, particularly those made by a sovereign or government.

  • The emperor's edict declared the beginning of a new era.
  • An edict was issued to enforce strict curfew regulations.

Examples of usage

  • The president issued a directive to increase security measures.
  • The directive from the prime minister was clear and decisive.
Context #3 | Noun

in technology

A directive is a configuration setting that enables or disables specific features or functions.

Synonyms

instruction, parameter, setting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
directive

A directive is often used when an authoritative command or specific order is given by someone in a position of power, such as a leader, manager, or government official.

  • The CEO issued a new directive to increase productivity.
  • The government released a directive to reduce carbon emissions.
instruction

Instruction is commonly used when providing detailed information on how to perform a particular task or activity. It is frequently found in educational, technical, or everyday situations.

  • Please follow the instruction manual to assemble the furniture.
  • The teacher gave the students instructions on how to complete the assignment.
setting

Setting is typically used to refer to the configuration of options within a system, device, or environment to control its behavior or appearance. It is common in technological and everyday contexts.

  • Make sure to adjust the settings on your phone to optimize battery use.
  • The default setting on the thermostat is 22 degrees Celsius.
parameter

Parameter is often used in scientific, mathematical, or technical contexts to refer to a variable or factor that defines a system and determines its behavior.

  • The researchers adjusted the parameters to improve the accuracy of the experiment.
  • To run this software, you need to configure the network parameters.

Examples of usage

  • The software update included a new directive to improve performance.
  • The directive in the code controlled the behavior of the application.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Politics

  • Directives often relate to policy-making where governments or organizations provide specific guidelines on important issues.
  • In the European Union, a directive is a legislative act that sets out a goal that member states must achieve through their own national laws.
  • The effectiveness of directives can depend on how well they are communicated and followed by the implementing bodies.

Education

  • Teachers use directives in classrooms to give instructions, helping students know what is expected in their work.
  • Clear directives can enhance learning outcomes by reducing confusion about tasks.
  • In learning environments, directives help create structure and can motivate students to follow through on assignments.

Psychology

  • Research shows that clear directives can improve compliance and adherence among individuals in therapeutic settings.
  • When people receive directives that align with their personal goals, they are more likely to follow them.
  • Overly vague directives can lead to frustration or resistance, showing the importance of clarity in communication.

Technology

  • In computer programming, directives are instructions that tell a computer how to process data or code.
  • Web development often employs directives in frameworks like Angular to enhance functionality and interactivity.
  • Software applications may utilize directives to simplify complex commands, making them easier for users to execute.

Origin of 'directive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'directivus', which means 'having the power to direct'.
  • In the 19th century, 'directive' started being used in the English language to refer to guiding orders.
  • It has roots in 'direct', which means to guide someone toward a goal.

The word 'directive' originated from the Latin word 'directivus', which means directing or guiding. It first appeared in English in the early 19th century. The term has evolved over time to encompass various fields such as management, politics, and technology, where it signifies an authoritative instruction or order. The concept of directives plays a crucial role in decision-making processes and organizational structures.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,475 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.