Directives: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term in formal or official settings where specific guidelines or policies are being communicated.

• The government issued new directives to control the spread of the virus.
• The CEO announced a directive for all employees to work from home.

This term is best used for providing detailed steps or procedures to accomplish a task, often in educational or technical contexts.

• The manual provides clear instructions on how to assemble the furniture.
• Follow the instructions carefully to complete the experiment.

Orders are typically associated with authoritative requests that must be followed, often seen in military, business, or customer service settings.

• The manager gave orders to increase production by 20%.
• In the army, soldiers must follow orders without question.

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.

• The general gave the command to retreat immediately.
• You can execute the command by typing it into the computer terminal.

Generally used in organizational or administrative contexts, where guidelines or instructions are given by someone in authority to subordinates

• The manager issued new directives for handling customer complaints.
• Government directives on health and safety must be followed.

Used when referring to an official order or commission to do something, often seen in legal, political, or administrative settings

• The court issued a mandate to release all the documents.
• The committee's mandate is to improve public transportation.

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

• The president issued a decree to establish a new national holiday.
• The king's decree was followed by the entire kingdom.

Typically used in historical or formal contexts, referring to official proclamations or commands issued by a sovereign or other authority

• The emperor's edict demanded that all citizens pay new taxes.
• An edict was proclaimed to cease all trade with opposing nations.

Typically used in more formal or official settings, such as in organizations or government, to describe clear and specific instructions to follow.

• The company's new policy directives must be followed by all employees.
• The government issued directives on public health measures.

Commonly used in educational, technical, or everyday situations where step-by-step information is given to complete a task.

• The teacher gave clear instructions for the homework.
• Follow the instructions to assemble the furniture.

Used often in situations of authority where a person in a higher position gives orders to subordinates. It has a strong and authoritative tone.

• The general issued commands to the troops.
• She commands the team with confidence.

Usually employed to convey information, express opinions, or make declarations. It does not necessarily imply a demand or requirement for action.

• The President made a statement on the current situation.
• Her statement about the project cleared up all the confusion.