A2noun1K

Direction

UK /["/dəˈrekʃn//daɪˈrekʃn/"]/US /["/dəˈrekʃn//daɪˈrekʃn/"]/

Definition

the general position a person or thing moves or points towards

In simple words: A way to go or where to go.

Examples

  • Can you give me the direction to the nearest gas station?
  • She always takes the right direction when navigating through the city.
  • The compass shows the direction of north.
  • He turned the direction of the sail to catch the wind.
  • In order to solve the problem, we need to work in the same direction.
  • The project is moving in a positive direction thanks to the new strategies.
  • The movie has a clear narrative direction that keeps you engaged.
  • He has a strong sense of direction and rarely gets lost.

Usage notes

Use 'direction' when talking about where something is or when instructing someone to go somewhere. It's suitable in everyday conversation and written instructions but might be too vague in technical contexts that require specific terms.

Grammar pattern

give + direction

Memory hint

Think of a compass pointing in the right 'direction'.

Collocations

  • same
  • different
  • opposing
  • take
  • change
  • reverse
  • from a/​the direction
  • in a/​the direction
  • the direction of flow
  • the direction of movement
  • the direction of travel
  • clear
  • good
  • precise
  • ask
  • ask for
  • give somebody
  • direction for
  • direction to
  • new
  • right
  • wrong
  • take
  • change
  • shift
  • a change of direction
  • a shift in direction
  • a step in… direction
  • same
  • different
  • opposing
  • take
  • change
  • reverse
  • from a/​the direction
  • in a/​the direction
  • the direction of flow
  • the direction of movement
  • the direction of travel
  • clear
  • be lacking in
  • lack
  • a sense of direction
  • clear
  • strategic
  • spiritual
  • give somebody
  • provide (somebody with)
  • under somebody’s direction
  • direction from
  • clear
  • good
  • precise
  • ask
  • ask for
  • give somebody
  • direction for
  • direction to

Synonyms

  • guidance
  • path
  • way
  • route
  • lead

Antonyms

  • confusion
  • disorientation
  • aimlessness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'directional', which means relating to direction.
  • Using 'direction' in place of 'instructions' when giving detailed steps.
  • Mispronouncing the word, emphasizing the wrong syllable.