directive
official instruction or order
An official order from someone in power that tells people what they must do.
a directive from [authority] to [someone] to [do something]
- The health ministry issued a new directive requiring all hospitals to report infection rates monthly.
- Under the court’s directive, the company must pay compensation to all affected customers.
- Employees are expected to follow any safety directive given by their supervisor.
- The school board released a directive banning the use of mobile phones during class.
- The manager gave a directive to close the office early.
- Workers must follow the safety directive at all times.
- The government sent a directive to all schools.
- The company issued a directive to work from home.
document about future medical care
A legal paper that says what medical care a person wants or does not want in the future if they cannot speak or choose at that time.
an advance directive about [treatment or care]
- She completed an advance directive to make sure her family knows her wishes about life support.
- Hospital staff must check whether a patient has a medical directive before starting certain treatments.
- His directive clearly states that he does not want to be kept alive on a ventilator indefinitely.
- My grandmother signed a medical directive at the hospital.
- The doctor asked if I have an advance directive.
- This directive tells the hospital what care he wants at the end of his life.
general guiding instruction or aim
A general rule or goal from leaders that shows what people should try to do, but does not explain every step.
a broad directive to [do something]
- The CEO set a clear directive to focus on renewable energy projects over the next five years.
- Under the new policy directive, departments are expected to reduce travel costs by ten percent.
- The team’s work is shaped by a strategic directive to improve customer satisfaction.
- The company has a directive to grow in Asian markets.
- Our boss gave a broad directive to cut costs this year.
- The government’s main directive is to protect the environment.
giving clear instructions or control
Describes a way of leading, teaching, or helping where one person clearly tells others what to do and guides their actions.
a directive [style / approach / leader / role]
- Her leadership style is very directive; she gives the team clear tasks and deadlines every week.
- The counselor decided to use a more directive approach, offering specific advice rather than just listening.
- In early childhood education, some teachers prefer a directive role, while others allow children to explore more freely.
- He is a very directive manager and tells everyone what to do.
- The coach used a directive style and gave clear instructions to each player.
- Some students like a directive teacher who explains every step.
- Base: directive
- Base: directive
- Plural: directives
advance directive
1written wishes for future treatment
A legal document that says what medical care a person wants or does not want in the future if they cannot speak or decide for themselves.
- The hospital gave her forms to create an advance directive before her surgery.
- Having an advance directive can help families make difficult medical decisions more easily.
EU directive
1European Union legal instruction
A kind of law from the European Union that tells member countries what goals they must meet but lets them decide how to meet them.
- The new EU directive on data privacy affects companies all over Europe.
- Member states have two years to bring their national laws in line with the EU directive.
follow a directive
1obey an official instruction
To do what an official order or instruction tells you to do.
- All staff must follow the directive on data protection without exception.
- The soldiers were punished because they failed to follow a direct directive from their commander.
in accordance with a directive
1in obedience to an official order
Done in a way that follows an official order or rule.
- The documents were destroyed in accordance with a directive from the security committee.
- All changes must be made in accordance with the directive issued by the central bank.
issue a directive
1formally give an official order
To officially give an order or instruction, usually from a government, court, or company leader.
- The minister plans to issue a directive banning single-use plastics in government offices.
- The company issued a directive requiring all employees to change their passwords every three months.