Direction
/dəˈrekʃən/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe line or course on which someone or something is moving or pointing.
/dəˈrekʃən/
The course along which something moves.
The wind changed direction.
💡 Simply: It's like the path or road something is taking, like when you're walking and you choose which way to go. Think of it as the 'way' you are moving.
👶 For kids: The way something is going or pointing.
More Examples
We headed in the wrong direction.
Follow the signs to get you in the right direction.
How It's Used
"The ship changed direction to avoid the storm."
"The sign pointed in the right direction."
A general tendency or inclination; a course or line of thought.
/dəˈrekʃən/
A general tendency or inclination.
The government has set a new direction for education.
💡 Simply: It’s like where things are generally going or what they're focusing on. If a company is going in a new direction, they’re changing what they're doing. Think of it as the 'focus' or 'goal'.
👶 For kids: The way something is going to change or get better.
More Examples
His career took a new direction after college.
The company is headed in a new direction.
How It's Used
"The company's new direction is towards sustainability."
"Research shows a clear direction of change."
The act or process of controlling, managing, or guiding someone or something.
/dəˈrekʃən/
The act of controlling or managing something.
The team worked under the direction of the manager.
💡 Simply: This is like being in charge and telling people what to do, like a boss or leader. It's about controlling or guiding something. Think of it as 'being in control'.
👶 For kids: Telling people or things what to do.
More Examples
The movie was praised for its excellent direction.
He is responsible for the day-to-day direction of the company.
How It's Used
"The project was under his direction."
"The film's direction was praised by critics."
Instructions or guidance given; orders or commands.
/dəˈrekʃən/
Instructions or guidance.
Read the directions before assembling the furniture.
💡 Simply: It's like someone telling you what to do or how to do something, like reading instructions for building a toy or following a recipe. Think of it as 'instructions'.
👶 For kids: Telling someone how to do something.
More Examples
The teacher gave us directions for the assignment.
Follow the directions on the medicine label.
How It's Used
"Follow the directions carefully."
"The judge gave the jury directions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in the wrong direction
Going the wrong way; making a mistake.
"If you think that way, you're going in the wrong direction."
sense of direction
The ability to know which way to go and where to go.
"She has a very good sense of direction."
take directions
To follow instructions or guidance.
"He's very good at taking directions."
From Middle English directioun, from Old French direction, from Latin directio (“a straight line, a direction”), from directus (“straight, direct”), past participle of dirigere (“to direct”).
Historically, 'direction' was used in similar contexts to today, but with a stronger emphasis on control and guidance.
Memory tip
Imagine an arrow pointing the WAY to GO!
Word Origin
"a straight line"