directory
directory Lexical Profile
directory Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A book, database, or display listing individuals, businesses, or organizations alphabetically or thematically alongside details such as addresses, telephone numbers, or locations.
"She checked the lobby directory to find which floor housed the accounting firm."
A virtual container or organizational structure within a computer file system that stores and indexes files and other subdirectories.
"Please save all configuration files in the root directory of the project."
A governing body or board of directors; historically (capitalized), the five-member executive committee that ruled France from 1795 to 1799 during the French Revolution.
"Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the French Directory in the coup of 18 Brumaire."
A book of directions, rules, or guidelines for conducting church worship services and liturgical ceremonies.
"The parish priest consulted the liturgical directory before preparing the order of service for Holy Week."
• adjective
Serving to direct, guide, or instruct; specifically in law, providing advisory procedural guidance rather than imposing an obligatory requirement.
"The court ruled that the statutory filing deadline was merely directory and did not invalidate the late appeal."
Word Nuance & Usage
In legal contexts, a 'directory' provision provides guidance on procedure without invalidating an act if not strictly followed, whereas a 'mandatory' provision requires strict compliance.
• Rhymes for directory
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Late Latin directorium ('a guide'), from the verb dirigere ('to set straight, guide, or direct'). The historical sense referring to the five-member executive body that governed France from 1795 to 1799 translates the French Directoire.