directive
UK /daɪˈɹɛk.tɪv/ · US /dəˈɹɛk.tɪv/ adjective, noun
Forms directives
- adjective That which directs; serving to direct, indicate, or guide.
- adjective (grammar) Relating to the directive case.
- noun An instruction or guideline that indicates how to perform an action or reach a goal.
- noun (programming) A construct in source code that indicates how it should be processed but is not necessarily part of the program to be run.
- noun An authoritative decision from an official body, which may or may not have binding force.
- noun (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.
- noun (grammar) The directive case.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle French directif. The noun senses are from French directive (feminine form of the adjective).
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Having power to direct; tending to direct, guide, or govern; showing the way. Hooker.
- adjective Able to be directed; manageable. [Obs.]
Etymology [LL. directivus: cf. F. directif.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “directive”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details