director
gb/dɪɹˈɛktɚ/ us/dɪɹˈɛktɚ/
B1
English
~ 700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Person who oversees a film or play
A person who tells actors and crew what to do when making a movie, TV show, or play.
Usage pattern:
[someone] works as a director
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'director' with 'producer'. A producer handles money and logistics; a director focuses on creative decisions.
Synonyms
filmmaker (Broader term that can include writers and producers, not just the person directing.)
|
producer (Different role; manages the business side rather than the creative direction.)
Antonyms
actor (Performer who follows the director's guidance rather than giving it.)
Collocations
film director
|stage director
|award-winning director
|director's cut
|assistant director
Themes
entertainment
|arts
|media
|arts_entertainment
|work
Examples
- The director asked the actors to rehearse the scene again.
- She is the youngest director to win this prestigious award.
- The director's vision completely transformed the original script.
- After months of shooting, the director finally wrapped up production.
Learner examples
- The director told the actor to speak louder.
- Our school play has a new director.
- The director works with the camera crew.
- She is a famous movie director.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Senior manager in a company or organization
A person who leads part or all of a company or group.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is director of [department]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'director' with 'manager'. A director is usually higher in rank and has broader responsibilities.
Synonyms
executive (General term for a high-level manager; may not have 'director' title.)
|
manager (Often lower in rank than a director in corporate hierarchy.)
Antonyms
employee (General worker without managerial authority.)
Collocations
managing director
|board of directors
|company director
|executive director
Themes
business
|management
|work
Examples
- He was appointed as the new marketing director last year.
- The board of directors meets quarterly to discuss strategy.
- As financial director, she oversees all budget planning.
- The company hired a new operations director to improve efficiency.
Learner examples
- The director of sales is very busy.
- She is a company director.
- The school director makes many decisions.
- He is the director of our office.
Noun
formal
B2
entity
3
Person leading an organization or project
A person who is in charge of an important project or group.
Usage pattern:
[someone] serves as director of [organization/project]
Synonyms
leader (General term for someone in charge; less formal title.)
Antonyms
participant (Someone involved in an event but not leading it.)
Collocations
program director
|project director
|festival director
Themes
leadership
|administration
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The festival director welcomed guests from around the world.
- As program director, she coordinates all community events.
- The research project is under the guidance of its director.
Learner examples
- The program director spoke to everyone.
- Our camp has a new director this year.
- The project director works with many people.
Grammar
Dictionary form
director
IPA
GB/dɪɹˈɛktɚ/
US/dɪɹˈɛktɚ/
Syllables & stress
dir - ect - or (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ect)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: director
- Plural: directors
Word family
Expressions
director's cut
1/dɪɹˈɛktɚz kˈʌt/
fixed phrase
Film version edited by its director
A version of a movie that shows how the director wanted it, often longer than the cinema release.
Examples
- The DVD includes the director's cut with extra scenes.
- Fans prefer the director's cut over the original release.
board of directors
1/bˈɔɹd əv dɪɹˈɛktɚz/
fixed phrase
Company's governing group
A group of people chosen to make important decisions in a company.
Examples
- The board of directors meets quarterly to review company performance.
- The board of directors approved the new budget.
- She was recently appointed to the board of directors.
- She was elected to the board of directors last year.