direction
gb/dɪɹˈɛkʃən/ us/dɪɹˈɛkʃən/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
instructions or guidance
Words or signs that tell you what to do or where to go.
Usage pattern:
to give [someone] direction
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'direction' (information) with 'address' (exact location).
Synonyms
instruction (More formal and often used for step-by-step guidance.)
Antonyms
misdirection (Guidance that is wrong or misleading.)
Collocations
give directions
|follow directions
|clear directions
|written directions
|ask for directions
Themes
daily life
|navigation
|communication
|travel
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The teacher gave clear directions for the assignment.
- Can you give me directions to the nearest gas station?
- Follow the directions on the package carefully.
- She asked for directions to the museum.
- The signposts provide directions for hikers.
Learner examples
- He gave me directions to the bus stop.
- Please follow the directions on the box.
- I asked a man for directions.
- The map shows directions to the park.
Noun
A2
relation
2
course or orientation of movement
The way something moves, points, or faces.
Usage pattern:
in the direction of [something]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'direction' with 'destination', which is the final place, not the path taken.
Synonyms
orientation (Often used in technical or formal contexts for position relative to surroundings.)
Antonyms
opposite way (Completely different course from the intended one.)
Collocations
change direction
|wrong direction
|opposite direction
|in this direction
Themes
navigation
|travel
|geography
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The plane changed direction suddenly.
- We walked in the direction of the beach.
- He looked in my direction but said nothing.
- The river flows in a northerly direction.
- Traffic was moving in both directions.
Learner examples
- The train goes in that direction.
- She turned in my direction.
- We walked in the direction of the school.
- The wind changed direction.
Noun
B1
action
3
management or supervision
The work of leading or guiding a group or activity.
Usage pattern:
under the direction of [someone]
Synonyms
leadership (Focuses more on inspiring and guiding people rather than control.)
Antonyms
mismanagement (Poor control or handling of a group or activity.)
Collocations
under the direction of
|strong direction
|artistic direction
Themes
business
|arts
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The project was completed under her direction.
- He took over the direction of the company last year.
- The film's success owes much to the director's strong direction.
- Under his direction, the team improved greatly.
Learner examples
- The play was under her direction.
- He gave good direction to the team.
- We worked under his direction.
- The movie had great direction.
Noun
B2
entity
4
sense of purpose or aim
A plan or goal that guides what you do in life.
Usage pattern:
have a sense of direction in [life/career]
Synonyms
goal (A specific thing you want to achieve, rather than general guidance.)
Antonyms
aimlessness (Lack of any clear purpose or plan.)
Collocations
sense of direction
|clear direction in life
Themes
self-development
|psychology
|emotions
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- After college, she felt lost and without direction.
- He finally found a new direction for his career.
- Good leaders provide direction for their teams.
- Meditation helped him gain a sense of direction.
Learner examples
- I need more direction in my life.
- She found a new direction at work.
- He has no clear direction now.
- They want more direction from the boss.
Grammar
Dictionary form
direction
IPA
GB/dɪɹˈɛkʃən/
US/dɪɹˈɛkʃən/
Syllables & stress
dir - ec - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ec)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: direction
- Plural: direction, directions
Word family
Forms
directions
noun
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
directness
noun
misdirect
verb
Expressions
change direction
1/t͡ʃˈeɪnd͡ʒ dɪɹˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
alter course or path taken
To start going a different way, either physically or in plans.
Examples
- We had to change direction because of the storm.
- Halfway through, he decided to change direction with his career.
follow directions
1/fˈɑloʊ dɪɹˈɛkʃənz/
fixed phrase
act according to instructions given
To do what instructions tell you to do.
Examples
- Please follow the directions carefully when taking this medicine.
- He never follows directions and often makes mistakes.
in someone's direction
1/ˈɪn sˈʌmwˌʌnz dɪɹˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
toward where someone is located
Toward the place where a person is standing or sitting.
Examples
- She smiled in my direction.
- He threw the ball in her direction.
in the right direction
1/ˈɪn ðə ɹˈaɪt dɪɹˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
moving toward a good result
Doing something that will help reach the correct goal or answer.
Examples
- Your research is going in the right direction now.
- This feedback will help us move in the right direction.