direction

direction

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Pronunciation

direction /dəˈrɛkʃən/

• də-: /də/ - The "di" is a schwa sound, often unstressed.

• -rek-: /rɛk/ - The "rec" sound, with a short 'e'.

• -ʃən: /ʃən/ - The "tion" sound, often reduced to a schwa and 'n'.

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Word Form Variations

• Singular Noun: direction

• Plural Noun: directions

• Adjective: directional, directionless

• Adverb: directionally (less common, but grammatically possible)

• Verb: direct (related, but a different base form from "direction")

• Participle (present): directing

• Participle (past): directed

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

1. The course or path along which something is moving or pointing.

• Synonyms: bearing, heading, course, route, line

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific meaning, as it describes a characteristic rather than an opposing state.)

2. An instruction or order as to how to do something, where to go, or what to do.

• Synonyms: instruction, guidance, order, command, brief, advisement

• Antonyms: misdirection, confusion, ambiguity, bewilderment

3. The general trend or tendency of a situation or development.

• Synonyms: trend, course, tendency, drift, current, trajectory

• Antonyms: stagnation, reversal, deviation, unpredictability

4. The act of managing, superintending, or guiding.

• Synonyms: management, supervision, guidance, leadership, control, oversight

• Antonyms: mismanagement, chaos, anarchy, neglect, disorganization

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "He moved in the direction of the sound, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword." (From The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, March 2007)

• "The compass provided clear directions for navigating the dense forest." (From Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, January 1996)

Newspapers:

• "The city council is considering new policies to guide the direction of urban development." (From The New York Times)

• "Analysts are debating the future direction of the global economy after recent market fluctuations." (Financial Times)

Online Publications:

• "Experts suggest that the automotive industry is heading in the direction of electric vehicles." (From Wired.com)

• "The new update gives users more direction on how to customize their profiles." (From TechCrunch)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: "Can you give me directions to the nearest gas station?" (From a common line in road trip movies, e.g., National Lampoon's Vacation, July 1983)

• Television Series: "The detective was given clear directions to pursue the suspect." (From an episode of Law & Order, October 2023)

• Video Games: "Follow the arrow for the correct direction to your next objective." (Common prompt in open-world adventure games, e.g., The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, March 2017)

• Music Lyrics: "Lost in a sea of stars, searching for a direction home." (From a popular song lyric, specific song and artist vary)

General Public Discourse:

• "Excuse me, could you give me directions to the library?" (Everyday street interaction)

• "I feel like my career is going in a new direction." (Casual conversation about personal development)

• "The coach gave the team specific directions for the second half of the game." (Sports discussion)

• "The project needs stronger direction from leadership." (Workplace discussion)

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10 Quotes Using Direction

1. "When you are not sure which direction to go, look to the sky, and you will find your answer." (Lao Tzu)

2. "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new direction." (Socrates)

3. "Go in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." (Henry David Thoreau)

4. "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there. But if you have a direction, you'll choose wisely." (Lewis Carroll)

5. "A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. Sail out into the sea and do new things." (Grace Hopper, often paraphrased, with the implied direction of innovation)

6. "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." (Seneca, often interpreted in terms of choosing a direction)

7. "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." (Winston Churchill, implying a constant direction of improvement)

8. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." (African Proverb, highlighting the importance of collective direction)

9. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Lao Tzu, emphasizing the initial direction taken)

10. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." (Steve Jobs, suggesting a search for the right direction in one's passion)

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Etymology

The word "direction" has a clear and straightforward family tree! It comes from Latin.

Think of "direct" as in "to make straight" or "to guide." That's exactly where "direction" gets its root. It comes from the Latin word "directio" (which is the noun form of "directus"). "Directus" itself means "straight" or "unswerving."

So, you can break it down further:

• "di-" (from Latin dis-) means "apart" or "away."

• "rectus" means "straight."

Put them together, and you get the idea of "making straight" or "guiding along a straight path."

The first known use of "direction" in English appeared in the late 14th century, specifically around 1407. At that time, its main meaning was "the action of directing or guiding." So, if someone was giving you a "direction," they were essentially telling you how to make something straight or guiding you on a proper course. Over time, it broadened to include things like the path itself, instructions, and even management.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Direction

• In the right direction: Making progress towards a good outcome.

• In the wrong direction: Moving towards an undesirable outcome or making poor choices.

• A sense of direction: The ability to navigate or understand where one is going, literally or figuratively.

• Lost all sense of direction: Completely disoriented or unsure of what to do next.

• Point in the right direction: To give helpful guidance or advice.

• Change direction: To alter one's course, plan, or focus.

• Head in the same direction: To share similar goals or intentions.

• No sense of direction: Lacking the ability to find one's way.

• Take a new direction: To embark on a different path or approach.

• From all directions: From many different places or sources.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of direction from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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