direction

noun

A theoretical line (physically or mentally) followed from a point of origin or towards a destination. May be relative (e.g. up, left, outbound, dorsal), geographical (e.g. north), rotational (e.g. clockwise), or with respect to an object or location (e.g. toward Boston).

Guidance, instruction.

A general trend for future action.

The work of the director in cinema or theater; the skill of directing a film, play etc.

(dated) The body of persons who guide or manage a matter; the directorate.

(archaic) A person's address.

Roots

regorect- · Latin · rule, guide straight

Synonyms for direction

guidancen wayn steeringn guideboard instructionn directingadj directorshipn managementn guidingadj routen

Synonyms & related words for direction

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of direction — including guidance, way, steering, guideboard, instruction, directing. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to direction

Explore words related to direction — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include directional, bidirectionally, circumnutate, directionally, nephoscope, directionality, sidewards, quaquaversal. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for direction

Common synonyms for direction include guidance, way, steering, guideboard, instruction, directing, directorship, management — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does direction come from?

The word direction breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root rect-, from Latin rego (“rule, guide straight”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.