directives

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 & related words for directives

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Words related to directives

Explore words related to directives — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include guideline, instructions, regulations, guiding, directing, mandates, rules, instructs. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does directives come from?

The word directives 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.