directive
- 01 C1 Advanced
n.an official order or instruction from a leader or a government.
n.an authoritative instruction or decision issued by an official body, often requiring specific actions to be taken.
Simple“The government issued a new directive to reduce plastic waste in all offices.”
In context“The board of directors issued a strict directive regarding corporate travel, mandating that all international trips receive prior approval from the CFO.”
UsageOften used with the verb 'issue' or 'follow'.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a type of law in the European Union that tells member countries what goals they must reach.
n.a legislative act of the European Union that requires member states to achieve a particular result without dictating the means of achieving it.
Simple“The EU directive on renewable energy requires every member state to increase its use of wind power.”
In context“Member states were given two years to transpose the new environmental directive into their own national legal frameworks.”
UsageCommonly used with 'transpose' or 'implement'.
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a special instruction in computer code that tells the computer how to handle the code itself.
n.a construct in source code that specifies how a compiler or processor should treat the input, distinct from the executable logic.
Simple“The programmer added a directive at the top of the file to include a library.”
In context“The compiler directive ensured that certain blocks of code were only processed when the software was being tested in a development environment.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
adj.serving to guide, lead, or show the way.
adj.serving to direct, indicate, or provide guidance; often used in psychological or management contexts.
Simple“The manager took a very directive approach, telling everyone exactly what to do.”
In context“The therapist moved from a passive listening style to a more directive role to help the patient set concrete goals.”
Synonyms
Usage issue directive
“In 2025 the FAA issued three directives requiring airlines to strengthen parts of the engine coverings on Boeing 737 planes, following two previous fan blade failures that sent pieces of the engine covering flying.”
“The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday upheld the safety of childhood vaccines in response to a new directive from the White House to overhaul the recommended inoculation schedule.”
From Middle French directif. The noun senses are from French directive (feminine form of the adjective).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.