Directives Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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directives
[dəˈrɛktɪv ]
Definitions
management
Official or authoritative instructions; orders or directions.
Synonyms
commands, instructions, orders.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| directives |
Use this term in formal or official settings where specific guidelines or policies are being communicated.
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| instructions |
This term is best used for providing detailed steps or procedures to accomplish a task, often in educational or technical contexts.
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| orders |
Orders are typically associated with authoritative requests that must be followed, often seen in military, business, or customer service settings.
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| commands |
This word is suitable in situations that require authoritative demands, often in military or similar hierarchical organizations. It can also be used in a technical context, such as computing.
|
Examples of usage
- The employees were given strict directives to follow the new company policy.
- The government issued directives to improve the efficiency of public services.
politics
Official instructions or orders from a government or political party.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| directives |
Generally used in organizational or administrative contexts, where guidelines or instructions are given by someone in authority to subordinates
|
| mandates |
Used when referring to an official order or commission to do something, often seen in legal, political, or administrative settings
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| decrees |
Often used in governmental or formal contexts where an official order or decision is made by someone in a high position of power or authority, such as a president or monarch
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| edicts |
Typically used in historical or formal contexts, referring to official proclamations or commands issued by a sovereign or other authority
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Examples of usage
- The president issued directives to address the economic crisis.
- The party leader gave directives on the campaign strategy.
programming
Specialized commands used in certain programming languages to perform specific tasks.
Synonyms
commands, instructions, statements.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| directives |
Typically used in more formal or official settings, such as in organizations or government, to describe clear and specific instructions to follow.
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| instructions |
Commonly used in educational, technical, or everyday situations where step-by-step information is given to complete a task.
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| commands |
Used often in situations of authority where a person in a higher position gives orders to subordinates. It has a strong and authoritative tone.
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| statements |
Usually employed to convey information, express opinions, or make declarations. It does not necessarily imply a demand or requirement for action.
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Examples of usage
- Software developers use directives to optimize code execution.
- The directive in this code controls the behavior of the program.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Government and Law
- In government, directives are often formal orders issued by an authority, such as regulations from a department or agency.
- Legal directives can also create obligations for individuals or organizations, often resulting in compliance requirements.
- Internationally, governments may adopt directives to instigate uniformity in laws across different regions, illustrating their significance in diplomatic agreements.
Business and Management
- In the corporate world, directives are crucial for maintaining order and ensuring employees follow company policies and strategies.
- Clear directives can improve efficiency, as they minimize confusion about tasks and expectations.
- Management theories suggest that effective directives foster an environment of accountability and productivity among teams.
Psychology
- Research in psychology indicates that clear directives can significantly reduce anxiety and uncertainty in individuals, aiding decision-making.
- The effectiveness of directives is linked to how they are communicated; clarity and tone can impact compliance and motivation.
- Behavioral studies show that when people receive comprehensible directives, they are more likely to feel empowered and productive.
Technology
- In programming, directives can refer to commands that give instructions to the computer, such as preprocessor directives in coding languages.
- Software development often relies on directives to guide user actions or update system protocols, showcasing their role in technical communication.
- Emerging technologies involve the use of AI directives to shape user interactions, influencing how we engage with technology.
Origin of 'directives'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'directivus,' meaning 'to direct,' highlighting its purpose in guiding actions.
- In English, 'directive' has been used since the late 16th century, initially referring to rules for conduct or behavior.
- It reflects a linguistic transformation where the suffix '-ive' denotes something that performs an action, making it an engaging term in authority contexts.
The word 'directive' originated from the Latin word 'directivus', which means 'directing'. It first appeared in English in the late 18th century. Over time, the term has been widely used in various fields such as management, politics, and programming to refer to official instructions or orders. Directives play a crucial role in guiding actions and decisions in different contexts.
See also: bidirectional, direct, directability, directing, direction, directions, directive, directiveness, directly, directness, director, directorial, directors, directory, indirect, misdirect, misdirection, undirected.