gerund or present participle
It means organizing and controlling how a film, play, or performance is made or presented.
She is directing a play at the community theater.
He enjoys directing films about ordinary families.
American English
How to pronounce directing
verbB1Very common word
derEHKtihng
/dɚˈɛk.tɪŋ/
3 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Form of direct
It means organizing and controlling how a film, play, or performance is made or presented.
What to listen for
“Directing” is commonly pronounced /dɚˈɛk.tɪŋ/ or /daɪˈɹɛk.tɪŋ/ in American English.
Usual pronunciation/dɚˈɛk.tɪŋ/
Less common pronunciation/diˈɹɛk.tɪŋ/
Common alternate pronunciation/daɪˈɹɛk.tɪŋ/
Meanings & examples
gerund or present participle
It means guiding a person or thing toward a place or in a particular direction.
The usher is directing visitors to the correct entrance.
Workers are directing traffic around the roadwork.
gerund or present participle
It means sending words, attention, or actions toward a particular person or thing.
She is directing her questions to the panel.
The report is directing attention to a serious safety problem.
Useful expressions
A system that puts money, such as a salary, directly into a bank account.
My salary comes by direct deposit.
A private message sent to one person or a small group online.
Send me a direct message on Instagram.
A telephone number that connects you to a person or office without an operator.
Do you have a direct line to the manager?