Directive: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.