Skip to content

directive

directive, instruction

noun dee-rek-TEEV Rare

Usage Note

Directive is used in administrative, political, and EU regulatory language — une directive européenne is an EU directive that member states must transpose into national law. The adjective directif (m.) / directive (f.) means 'directive' or 'prescriptive' in management style: un management directif is top-down leadership.

Examples

"Ils doivent respecter les directives de l'Union européenne."

Natural Translation

They must comply with the European Union's directives.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore French by topic