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directory

6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for directory, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A list of names, addresses, or other information, usually organized alphabetically or by category.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

How to use directory

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

phone directory business directory root directory

Etymology

From Medieval Latin dīrēctōrium, related to "direct."

Full origin of directory →

Frequently asked questions

What does “directory” mean?

The word “directory” means a list of names, addresses, or other information, usually organized alphabetically or by category. In plain terms, an organized list of information, or a folder used to organize computer files.

How do you pronounce “directory”?

“Directory” is pronounced dih-REHK-tuh-ree (/dɪˈɹɛktəɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “directory” in a sentence?

Here is “directory” used in a sentence: “She looked up the plumber's number in the business directory.”

What part of speech is “directory”?

“Directory” is a noun.

Where does the word “directory” come from?

The word “directory” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin dīrēctōrium, related to "direct.".

Is “directory” a common word?

“Directory” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “directory” have?

“Directory” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a list of names, addresses, or other information, usually organized alphabetically or by category.

What is the difference between a directory and a folder on a computer?

In everyday use they usually mean the same thing, but 'directory' is the more technical term for a location where files are stored, while 'folder' is the visual, desktop metaphor for it. Command-line systems tend to say directory, and graphical interfaces tend to say folder.

What is the difference between a directory and an index?

A directory is a list of the entries themselves, such as names, addresses, or files, usually arranged alphabetically or by category. An index instead points you to where information can be found, like page numbers in a book.

What is a root directory?

The root directory is the top-level location on a drive or computer from which all other directories branch out. Every other folder is contained within it, either directly or through other folders.

What is the difference between a directory and a database?

A directory is an organised list for looking things up, such as names and addresses, typically sorted for easy reference. A database is a broader, structured system for storing and querying many kinds of related information, not just a lookup list.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.