director
director
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "director" is /dəˈrɛktər/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
First syllable (di-): /də/ - The "di" is a schwa sound, a very short, unstressed vowel.
Second syllable (-rec-): /rɛk/ - The "rec" has the "r" sound, the "eh" vowel sound as in "red," and the "k" sound.
Third syllable (-tor): /tər/ - The "tor" has the "t" sound followed by a schwa and an "r" sound.
Word Form Variations
Noun (singular): director
Noun (plural): directors
Noun (masculine, sometimes used): directress (less common, often replaced by "director")
Verb (related concept, not a direct variation of the noun itself): direct
Verb (third-person singular present): directs
Verb (present participle): directing
Verb (past tense/past participle): directed
Adjective (related concept): directorial
Adverb (related concept): directorship (a noun referring to the office or position of a director)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A person responsible for overseeing the artistic and technical aspects of a film, play, or television production, guiding the actors and crew to bring the script to life.
Synonyms: filmmaker, auteur, showrunner, producer (in some contexts), conductor (of an orchestra, metaphorically)
Antonyms: Actor (though they work closely with directors), crew member, audience member
Definition 2: An individual appointed or elected to manage or supervise the affairs of a company, organization, or institution, often as part of a board.
Synonyms: Executive, manager, administrator, chief, superintendent, principal (of a school)
Antonyms: Subordinate, employee, staff member, intern
Definition 3: A person who leads or guides an activity, program, or department.
Synonyms: Head, leader, coordinator, supervisor, chief
Antonyms: Follower, participant, subordinate
Examples of Use
Books:
"The acclaimed science fiction author, known for her intricate world-building, also served as the director of the university's creative writing program for over a decade." (Literary Arts Journal)
In his memoir, the legendary actor recounted his first collaboration with the renowned film director, detailing their intense creative process.
Newspapers:
"Local residents gathered to protest the city council's decision, with the community development director addressing their concerns about the new zoning plan." (The Daily Herald)
"The newly appointed director of the national museum announced an ambitious plan to digitize their entire collection, making it accessible worldwide." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"Breaking down the complexities of AI ethics, the research director at the tech giant outlined the company's commitment to responsible innovation." (TechCrunch)
An in-depth interview with the game's creative director revealed the inspirations behind its unique art style and narrative choices. (IGN)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film (on-screen credit): "Directed by Christopher Nolan" (seen at the beginning or end of films like Oppenheimer or Inception).
Television (news report): A segment on a morning news show might feature an interview with the director of a new documentary series.
Podcast: "Our guest today is the director of operations for a major non-profit, discussing the challenges of global supply chains." (The Business of Giving Podcast)
Theater (playbill): "Stage Director: Sarah Davies" (listed in a playbill for a theater production).
Video Game (in-game credit/marketing): "Game Director: Hidetaka Miyazaki" (often highlighted in discussions or promotional material for FromSoftware games like Elden Ring).
General Public Discourse:
"My brother just got promoted to director of marketing at his company; he's really excited about the new responsibilities."
"Did you hear that the school's drama club is looking for a new director for their spring play?"
"The museum has a new director, and she's already implementing some great new initiatives."
"The police are saying the security camera footage was crucial, and they're commending the security director for their quick response."
10 Quotes Using Director
"A man sooner or later discovers that he is the master-gardener of his soul, the director of his life." (James Allen)
"In feature films the director is God; in documentary films God is the director." (Alfred Hitchcock)
"A film is a director's vision... there is, however, much input an actor or actress can have." (Natasha Richardson)
"Pick up a camera. Shoot something. Put your name on it as director. Now you're a director." (James Cameron)
"A good director creates an environment, which gives the actor the encouragement to fly." (Kevin Bacon)
"The best director is the one you don't see." (Billy Wilder)
"I think that I'm a better speechwriter than my speechwriters. I know more about policies on any particular issue than my policy directors." (Barack Obama)
"One of the great things about being a director as a life choice is that it can never be mastered." (Ron Howard)
"A director must be a policeman, a midwife, a psychoanalyst, a sycophant and a bastard." (Billy Wilder)
"Your life is a movie. You are the main character. You say your scripts and act to your lines. Of course you do your lines in each scene. There is a hidden camera and a director who you can ask for help anytime up above." (Source: Goodreads)
Etymology
The word "director" has a pretty clear and logical journey through language!
It comes from the Latin word "dirigere," which means "to set straight," "to arrange," or "to give a particular direction to." This Latin word itself is a combination of two parts: "dis-" meaning "apart" (but here, it acts as an intensifier, making the action stronger), and "regere" meaning "to direct, to guide, or to keep straight." You can see how "regere" is also the root of words like "regulate" and "regent."
The word "director" first appeared in English in the late 15th century (specifically around 1477). At that time, its primary meaning was "a guide" or someone who shows the way. It came to English through Anglo-French ("directour") and French ("directeur"), which had already adapted the Latin "dirigere."
So, essentially, "director" has always been about leading or guiding, whether it's showing someone a path, managing a company's affairs, or guiding a theatrical performance. The core idea of "setting things straight" and "giving direction" has remained consistent throughout its history.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Director
Board of Directors: The governing body of an organization, elected by shareholders.
Creative Director: The head of a creative team, often in advertising or design.
Art Director: Someone who determines the visual style and images for a publication, product, or production.
Music Director: The person responsible for the musical aspects of a performance, group, or organization.
Managing Director: A senior executive in charge of the day-to-day operations of a company.
Executive Director: The chief executive officer of a non-profit organization or sometimes a for-profit company.
Film Director: The person who oversees the artistic and dramatic aspects of a film.
Technical Director: A person who is in charge of technical equipment or staff, especially in theatre or broadcasting.
To take direction (from the director): To follow instructions or guidance from a leader or supervisor.
The director's cut: A version of a film or other work as the director originally intended, often different from the version released to the public.
Ghost Director: (Lesser-known) A person who directs a film or production but is not credited.
To play the director: (Original phrase) To try and control a situation or group of people as if one were in charge.
Under the director's eye: (Original phrase) Being closely supervised or guided by the main leader.
The director's chair: (Idiom with related object) Refers to the position or authority of a director.
To lead the charge: (Idiom with synonym "lead" for "director") To take the initiative in a group action.
To call the shots: (Idiom with similar meaning to "director") To be in control and make the decisions.
To run the show: (Idiom with similar meaning to "director") To be in charge of an event or activity.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of director from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
