non-directive

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Guiding or helping without giving orders or direct advice.

   Grammar: Used before a noun, as in non-directive therapy; it describes an approach, not a person.

   Patterns

   • non-directive approach
   • non-directive therapy
   • non-directive style

   Her non-directive style of teaching lets students discover answers on their own.

   The counselor used a non-directive approach, listening more than advising.

   In non-directive play therapy, the child chooses what to do.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A technique or session in which the therapist mainly listens and reflects.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural, non-directives, meaning sessions of this kind.

   Patterns

   • a non-directive
   • use non-directives

   The training compared directives with non-directives in counseling.

   She ran a non-directive with the client and said almost nothing.

Common combinations

non-directive approach

A non-directive approach works well with quiet clients.

non-directive therapy

Non-directive therapy is based on the client leading the session.

non-directive style

His non-directive style makes people feel in control.

non-directive play

Non-directive play lets children act out their feelings.

Synonyms and how they differ

client-centered

More specific; it names a particular therapy where the client leads, while non-directive just means not giving orders.

indirect

Broader and often negative; it can suggest avoiding the point, whereas non-directive is neutral and about style.

permissive

Focuses on allowing freedom; non-directive focuses on not directing, which is slightly different.

Opposites

Word family

directive noun

An official instruction or order.

directive adjective

Giving clear instructions or orders.

direct verb

To control or manage something.

Practice

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Write a sentence using “non-directive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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