Word
directorate
Phoneticsdi·rec·torate
US/daɪˈɹɛktɝət/
UK/daɪɹˈɛktəɹˌeɪt/
Definitions
01a government department
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal · Academic
n. a large department in a government or international organization that focuses on one specific area.
n. a specialized administrative unit or agency, typically a subdivision of a major government department or international body.
“The new directorate for environmental safety will start its work next month.”
“The European Commission is divided into several directorates-general, each responsible for a specific policy area such as trade or agriculture.”
Usage
Often used in the context of the European Union or large civil service structures.
Synonyms
02a board of directors
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal · Technical
n. a group of people who are in charge of managing a company or organization.
n. the collective body of directors or executives responsible for the governance and strategic management of an organization.
“The directorate met yesterday to discuss the company's budget for next year.”
“The corporate directorate faced intense scrutiny from shareholders following the announcement of the failed merger.”
Usage
Commonly used in business and legal contexts to refer to the group as a single entity.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Spanish General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has announced a new change, which will come into effect on October 1st, 2026.” “Managed by Caltech in Pasadena, JPL built Curiosity and leads the mission on behalf of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington as part of the agency's Mars Exploration Program portfolio.” Etymology
From director + -ate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/directorate