directed

Everyday

1. Directed is the past of direct: told someone the way, or told people what to do. tree →
2. Pointed or aimed at someone or something: «the question was directed at me». tree →
3. Was in charge of making a film, play or show. tree →
4. (maths, science) A directed number has a sign, + or −, showing which way it goes. tree →
5. A directed route is one you have been told to follow, or a path you have chosen to walk, towards a place. tree →

In the lessons

In school: «directed numbers» are positive and negative numbers; teachers give «directed activities». In stories a police officer directed traffic; a famous person directed a film. Phrases: «as directed» (take medicine as directed), «directed at», «directed by».

Examples

• The police officer directed the cars around the crash. tree →
• The film was directed by a famous director. tree →
• Take this medicine as directed by your doctor. tree →
• Her angry look was directed at her brother. tree →
• A kind lady directed us to the station. tree →
• In maths, −5 and +3 are directed numbers. tree →
• The teacher directed the class to line up. tree →
• At daylight we wandered inland, and soon saw some huts, to which we directed our steps. tree →

Note

Regular verb: direct → directed. «As directed» on a label means follow the instructions exactly; safety matters. Directed numbers: −3 + 5 = 2; a minus means going down or left on a number line.

In Jewish tradition

It means set firmly on a course, as when the psalmist wishes his ways were steadily aimed at keeping God's laws. In Job it means aimed against someone.

Interpretation. The psalm's wish is that one's whole way of living be steered toward God's commandments, which the tradition sees as the goal of a faithful life.

Examples

• Oh that my ways were directed to observe Thy statutes! (Writings PSA.119.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• For he hath not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches. (Writings JOB.32.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: direct → directed. «As directed» on a label means follow the instructions exactly; safety matters. Directed numbers: −3 + 5 = 2; a minus means going down or left on a number line.