direction
/dɪˈɹɛk.ʃən/ noun
Forms directions
- 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). “Keep going in the same direction.”
- noun A general trend for future action.
- noun Guidance, instruction. “The trombonist looked to the bandleader for direction.”
- noun The work of the director in cinema or theater; the skill of directing a film, play etc. “The screenplay was good, but the direction was weak.”
- noun (dated) The body of persons who guide or manage a matter; the directorate.
- noun (archaic) A person's address.
Synonyms
way guidance counsel counseling counselling management instruction steering commission charge focus focusing focussing focal point centering
Etymology
From Middle English direccioun, from Old French direccion, from Latin dīrēctiō. Equivalent to direct + -ion.
Webster’s 1913
- noun The act of directing, of aiming, regulating, guiding, or ordering; guidance; management; superintendence; administration; as, the direction o. I do commit his youth To your direction. Shak.
- noun That which is imposed by directing; a guiding or authoritative instruction; prescription; order; command; as, he grave directions to the servants.
Etymology [L. directio: cf. F. direction.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “direction”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details