Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913 Directive /dẽr-ĕk'-tĭv/ · Di·rect·ive · IPA /dəˈɹɛk.tɪv/ 01 a. Having power to direct; tending to direct, guide, or govern; showing the way. 1. Having power to direct; tending to direct, guide, or govern; showing the way. “The precepts directive of our practice in relation to God.” — Barrow. 2. Able to be directed; manageable.[Obs.] “Swords and bows Directive by the limbs.” — Shak.