English Reference
noun

director

n.
US /daɪˈɹɛktɝ/ UK /daɪɹˈɛktɐ/ di·rec·tor UK spelling director's, director's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    a person who is in charge of a department or a specific part of a company.

    a senior manager responsible for a specific department or functional area within an organisation.

    Simple

    She was recently promoted to director of marketing after three successful years.

    In context

    The regional director oversees all operations across the northern territories, ensuring that every branch adheres to the new safety protocols.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    one of the senior people who officially control a company.

    a member of the board of directors of a commercial enterprise or other organisation.

    Simple

    The company's directors met to discuss the budget for the next year.

    In context

    The board of directors voted unanimously to approve the merger, citing significant long-term benefits for the shareholders.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary Theatre

    the person who tells the actors what to do and decides how a film or play should look.

    the person responsible for the creative aspects and overall artistic vision of a film, play, or television programme.

    Simple

    The director asked the actors to try the scene one more time.

    In context

    The film director spent months in post-production, meticulously reviewing every frame to ensure the final cut matched his original vision.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    someone who gives advice about religious or personal life.

    a person who provides spiritual guidance, often within a religious context.

    Simple

    He spoke with his spiritual director about his doubts and fears.

    In context

    In many monastic traditions, the novice relies heavily on a spiritual director to navigate the complexities of contemplative life.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical Technical

    a tool or part of a machine that points something in the right direction.

    a device or component used to orient or guide a signal, weapon, or mechanism.

    Simple

    The technician adjusted the director on the antenna to improve the signal.

    In context

    The Yagi antenna uses a director element to increase gain and provide better directivity for long-distance reception.

    guideaimer

Usage director general · director of policy · director of research


Borrowed from Middle French directeur and its source Late Latin dīrēctor, dīrēctōrem, from Latin dīrēctus. By surface analysis, direct + -or.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin dīrēctus
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated