Directions
dəˈrɛkʃənz
Definitions
3 meaningsThe course or path along which someone or something moves.
dəˈrɛkʃənz
A course along which someone or something moves.
The compass helped us determine our directions.
💡 Simply: Directions are like the instructions you follow to get from one place to another, like how to bake a cake or get to your friend's house. They show you the right way to go!
👶 For kids: Directions are like the way to go somewhere! They tell you which way to turn or walk.
More Examples
Follow the directions on the map to reach your destination.
He gave her clear directions on how to assemble the furniture.
How It's Used
"The map provided clear directions to the campsite."
"She asked for directions to the train station."
A set of instructions or guidelines.
dəˈrɛkʃənz
Instructions on how to do something.
Make sure you read the directions before starting the experiment.
💡 Simply: Directions are like a recipe! They tell you the steps to follow to make something happen, like how to cook a meal or build a Lego set.
👶 For kids: Directions are like the steps to do something! They tell you how to play a game or build a tower.
More Examples
The directions for the medication were printed on the label.
He gave her specific directions on how to operate the machine.
How It's Used
"Follow the directions on the package carefully."
"The assembly directions were straightforward."
The act of managing or controlling.
dəˈrɛkʃənz
The act of directing or controlling something.
The board of directors set the overall directions for the company.
💡 Simply: When someone is giving directions, they're telling you what to do or how to handle a situation, like a coach telling the team how to play the game or a boss explaining the tasks at hand.
👶 For kids: Directions can also mean telling people what to do, like a leader tells you how to play.
More Examples
The government provided directions on how to handle the emergency.
She took directions from her supervisor.
How It's Used
"The manager provided directions for the project."
"The CEO set the directions for the company."
Idioms & expressions
in the direction of
Towards a particular place or thing.
"He walked in the direction of the park."
give directions
To provide instructions on how to get somewhere or do something.
"Can you give me directions to the airport?"
in all directions
In every possible direction; everywhere.
"The sound of the explosion echoed in all directions."
From Middle English direcciouns, from Old French direccion, from Latin directio ('a setting straight, a direction'), from directus ('straight, direct').
The word 'directions' has been used in English for centuries, initially referring to the act of guiding or leading, and later evolving to encompass instructions and navigational guidance.
Memory tip
Think of the arrows on a map. They provide directions.