directional
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to or pointing in a specific direction.
adj.relating to, indicating, or functioning in a specific direction.
Simple“The hikers followed directional signs to find their way back to the camp.”
In context“The installation of directional signage throughout the terminal significantly reduced passenger confusion during the peak holiday season.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
- 02 C1 Advanced
adj.sending sound, light, or radio waves in one specific direction rather than everywhere.
adj.designed to send or receive signals, such as sound or radio waves, in a specific direction.
Simple“The band used a directional microphone to record the singer without picking up the drums.”
In context“By employing a directional antenna, the researchers were able to transmit data to the remote station with minimal interference from other signals.”
UsageCommonly used in acoustics, telecommunications, and physics.
Teacher's tipThis is a common technical term in audio and tech contexts; contrast it with 'omnidirectional' which means in all directions.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a flashing light on a car that shows which way the driver wants to turn.
n.a flashing light on a vehicle used to signal an intended change in direction.
Simple“He forgot to use his directional before turning left at the intersection.”
In context“The driver was pulled over by the police for failing to activate his directional when merging into the fast lane.”
UsageUsed as a countable noun.
Teacher's tipIn British English, people almost exclusively use 'indicator'. 'Directional' as a noun is specific to certain North American dialects.
Synonyms
“And studying caterpillars’ hearing systems and imitating how their “hearing hairs” work could inspire such directional microphones.”
From direction + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.