directive
5 synonyms for directive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An official instruction or order.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use directive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
issue a directive
EU directive
comply with a directive
Etymology
From Middle French directif; the noun use comes from the French feminine form directive.
Full origin of directive →Frequently asked questions
What does “directive” mean?
The word “directive” means an official instruction or order. In plain terms, an official order or instruction, often from a government body or organization.
How do you pronounce “directive”?
“Directive” is pronounced deye-REHK-tihv (/dəˈɹɛk.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “directive” in a sentence?
Here is “directive” used in a sentence: “Staff received a directive to work from home during the outbreak.”
What part of speech is “directive”?
“Directive” is a noun.
Where does the word “directive” come from?
The word “directive” comes from Middle French. From Middle French directif; the noun use comes from the French feminine form directive.
Is “directive” a common word?
“Directive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “directive” have?
“Directive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official instruction or order.
What is the difference between a "directive" and an "order"?
A "directive" is generally a formal or official instruction, often issued in writing by an authority such as a government body or organization, while "order" can be more immediate and informal, such as a verbal command. In practice the words overlap heavily, but "directive" tends to sound more bureaucratic or institutional.
What is a European Union "directive"?
In EU law, a "directive" is a legislative act requiring member states to achieve a specific result, while leaving each country to decide how to implement it in its own national laws. This differs from an EU regulation, which applies directly and uniformly without needing separate national legislation.
Is "directive" a formal or informal word?
"Directive" is a formal word, typically used in official, legal, corporate, or governmental contexts rather than everyday conversation. It signals an authoritative instruction rather than a casual request.
