verb: directs a production
Organizes and controls how a film, play, or performance is made or presented.
She directs the school play every year.
He directs the choir during Sunday services.
American English
How to pronounce directs
verbB1Very common word
derEHKTS
/dɚˈɛkts/
2 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Form of direct
Organizes and controls how a film, play, or performance is made or presented.
What to listen for
“Directs” has several common American pronunciations: /dɚˈɛkts/, /daɪˈɹɛkts/, and /diˈɹɛkts/. You may hear any of these in the same use.
Common pronunciation/dɚˈɛkts/
Common alternate/daɪˈɹɛkts/
Less-common alternate/diˈɹɛkts/
Meanings & examples
verb: guides toward a place
Guides a person, group, vehicle, or thing toward a place or in a particular direction.
The sign directs drivers to the airport.
The officer directs traffic around the crash.
verb: aims words or attention
Aims words, attention, or actions at a particular person or thing.
She directs her questions to the manager.
The report directs attention to a serious problem.
verb: leads a group
Leads or manages a group, organization, or activity.
She directs a team of engineers.
He directs the clinic's daily operations.
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?