Meaning & use
directional
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivebefore a noun
Relating to or indicating the direction in which someone or something moves or points.
Grammar: Used before a noun: a directional signal, directional movement.
Patterns
- directional + noun
The directional sign pointed left toward the exit.
The bird's directional sense helps it navigate long distances.
adjectivebefore a nountechnical
Operating or receiving signals from a particular direction, as in a directional microphone or antenna.
Grammar: Used before a noun: a directional microphone, directional antenna.
Patterns
- directional + noun
A directional microphone picks up sound mainly from the front.
The directional antenna must be aimed at the transmitter.
Common combinations
- directional sign
- Follow the directional signs to the parking lot.
- directional microphone
- The interviewer used a directional microphone to reduce background noise.
- directional movement
- The dance involves sharp directional movements.
- directional antenna
- A directional antenna can boost the signal in one direction.
Synonyms and how they differ
- guiding
- Suggests showing the way, but does not always imply a physical direction; 'directional' is more specific to direction.
- steering
- Related to controlling direction, often for vehicles; 'directional' is a more general adjective.
Word family
Commonly confused: directional or directive?
directional vs directive
'Directive' is a noun meaning an official instruction; 'directional' is an adjective about direction.
Practice
The hikers used a ___ compass to find their way back to the campsite.
Choose one answer.
'Directional' fits because it describes a compass that indicates direction. 'Directive' is a noun meaning an instruction, 'direct' as an adjective means straightforward, and 'direction' is a noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “directional”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.