French word

directif

Pronunciation

IPA/diʁɛktif/

Meaning

  • adjectivebossy

Example

Mon patron est trop directif.

My boss is too bossy.

Illustration for directif (bossy)

More examples

Son style directif rend difficile la prise d'initiative.

His directive style makes taking initiative difficult.

Core concept

A manager drawing a precise route and expecting each step to be followed.

Common phrases

  • patron directif

    commanding boss

  • style directif

    directive style

  • discours directif

    directive speech

Similar words

autoritaire: Using power or status to impose views and make others comply.
strict: Insisting firmly on rules or standards being followed.
ferme: Showing an unshakable and determined attitude or decision.
direct: Expressing wishes or instructions plainly and without evasion.

Definition in French

Qui donne des indications précises et attend qu'elles soient suivies plutôt que d'encourager la coopération.

Word origin

French directif comes from Late Latin directivus, built on directus, the past participle of dirigere, with the adjective suffix -if.

Usage tips

  • In workplace descriptions, directif often carries a critical tone, while the feminine form is directive.

Other meanings

  • directiveadjective
  • controllingadjective

Opposites

  • conciliantconciliatoryadjective
  • permissifpermissiveadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word