directed
[dɚˈɛktəd] /də-ˈrek-təd dī-/ (ame, mw) · /daɪˈrekt/ (bre, ipa) · [dɚˈɛktəd] /dɪˈrekt/ (ame, ipa)
directed — adjective
- directedpositive
- more directedcomparative
- most directedsuperlative
1. kept under the watch and control of an authority that sets rules and checks comp
kept under the watch and control of an authority that sets rules and checks compliance.
The clinic offers directed therapy for children who need help with their speech.
attributive use: directed + therapy / programme / study
In a directed economy the government decides which goods are produced.
All donations must be placed in a directed account that only the board may use.
The university runs a directed study programme with fixed weekly assignments.
- supervised
focuses on watching over activity or people rather than rule-setting
- regulated
suggests official rules and standards, often governmental
- controlled
broader; implies power to limit or restrict
- unregulated
not subject to official rules or oversight
- unsupervised
without a person in charge watching over
文法句型
directed + noun
be + directed
用法筆記
Common in institutional contexts such as healthcare, education, and finance. The noun it modifies is typically something that could otherwise be uncontrolled or unsupervised.
常見錯誤
directed — verb
- directedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- directeds3rd person singular
- directeding-ing form
- directededpast simple
1. to be the person responsible for overseeing an event, project, or group and for
to be the person responsible for overseeing an event, project, or group and for making the key choices about how it operates.
The community festival was directed by Lucía, who handled every booking herself.
passive: be directed by [person]
Soraya directed the team's research on water quality along the coast.
An experienced coach directed the training programme for young runners.
The entire festival was directed by a committee of local volunteers.
文法句型
be directed by [person/organization]
direct + [activity/group]
用法筆記
Frequently passive. The subject is often a person in a leadership role or an institution. Distinguish from sense 3 (FILM / THEATRE), which is specific to creative productions.
常見錯誤
2. to use signals, signs, or spoken instructions to show drivers which way to go or
to use signals, signs, or spoken instructions to show drivers which way to go or where to stop.
Police officers directed the traffic around the accident site for three hours.
direct + traffic + adverb of place
Noor stood at the junction and directed cars toward the festival car park.
Traffic was directed away from the main road after the bridge collapsed.
The volunteer directed buses to the temporary stop on Market Street.
文法句型
be directed + adverb of direction
direct + vehicle(s)
用法筆記
The object is typically traffic, cars, or vehicles. The subject is usually a police officer, traffic warden, or event steward. Not used for giving walking directions — that belongs to sense 5 (GIVE DIRECTIONS).
3. to guide the actors' performances and make the creative decisions for a film, pl
to guide the actors' performances and make the creative decisions for a film, play, or television programme.
The short film was directed by Kenji and won first prize at the film festival.
passive: be directed by [person] in a creative context
Shanti directed the school play and helped the actors with their lines.
The documentary was directed by Andrei, who also composed the soundtrack.
Dewi directed a local theatre group that performed at the arts centre.
- produce
broader role involving funding and logistics, not just creative decisions
文法句型
be directed by [person]
direct + [film/play/show]
用法筆記
The object is always a creative work (film, play, episode, show) or a performing group. The person is called a director. Distinguish from sense 1 (BE IN CHARGE OF), which applies to general management, not artistic direction.
常見錯誤
4. to point or send something such as a look, a remark, or a beam of light toward a
to point or send something such as a look, a remark, or a beam of light toward a specific target.
Min directed her gaze toward the window when she heard a noise outside.
direct + body part (gaze / attention / look) + toward
The security guard directed the torch beam at the back of the old shed.
Much of the public anger was directed at the company's safety record.
Talia directed her question to the oldest person in the room.
文法句型
be directed at [target]
be directed toward [target]
direct + [look/comment/beam] + preposition
用法筆記
Can be physical (light, weapon) or figurative (comment, criticism, anger). The preposition varies by what is being aimed: 'at' is the most common, 'toward' emphasises direction rather than impact.
常見錯誤
5. to explain the route to a destination by telling someone which streets, landmark
to explain the route to a destination by telling someone which streets, landmarks, or turns to follow.
Stefan directed the lost tourist toward the central train station.
direct + [person] + toward [destination]
A friendly passer-by directed Jack to the nearest bus stop on Green Lane.
The receptionist directed each guest to the room on the third floor.
Jude was directed to the meeting room by a security guard at the entrance.
- mislead
to give wrong directions deliberately or accidentally
文法句型
be directed + preposition (to / toward)
direct + [person] + preposition
用法筆記
Targets a place or building, not a person. Distinguish from sense 2 (TRAFFIC CONTROL), which is about managing vehicle movement, and sense 6 (ORDERED), which is about giving orders — both involve different kinds of instruction.
常見錯誤
6. to give someone a formal or authoritative instruction that they must obey.
to give someone a formal or authoritative instruction that they must obey.
Soraya was directed by her manager to finish the audit by Friday.
passive: be directed to do something (formal instruction)
The soldiers were directed to stay inside the base until further notice.
The judge directed the witness to answer every question clearly.
All staff were directed to attend the fire safety training session.
文法句型
be directed to do something
direct + [person] + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Stronger than 'ask' or 'tell' — implies the person has authority over the recipient. Common in legal, military, and workplace contexts. The pattern 'direct that + clause' exists but is rare and very formal.