directive

noun

An instruction or guideline that indicates how to perform an action or reach a goal.

An authoritative decision from an official body, which may or may not have binding force.

(European Union law) A form of legislative act addressed to the member states. The directive binds the member state to reach certain objectives in their national legislation.

(programming) A construct in source code that indicates how it should be processed but is not necessarily part of the program to be run.

(grammar) The directive case.

adjective

That which directs; serving to direct, indicate, or guide.

(grammar) Relating to the directive case.

Roots

regorect- · Latin · rule, guide straight

Synonyms for directive

directingadj guidingadj decreen edictn prescriptn decretoryadj preceptn ukasen decretal preceptiveadj

Synonyms & related words for directive

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of directive — including directing, guiding, decree, edict, prescript, decretory. 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 directive

Explore words related to directive — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include guideline, regulations, mandate, instructions, rules, enjoinment, commandment, ordinance. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for directive

Common synonyms for directive include directing, guiding, decree, edict, prescript, decretory, precept, ukase — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does directive come from?

The word directive 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.