noun

direction

duh-REK-shun/dəˈrekʃn/

The course along which something is guided.

The traveler follows the path in the direction of the arrow.

A traveler follows a single clear wooden sign arrow pointing along a forked walking path; arrow is functional shape without lettering, traveler strides on indicated branch.

Etymology

diLatinapart

+rectLatinto guide, keep straight

+ionLatinaction or process

The “keep straight” root becomes an action noun: making straight or guiding toward something. Direction names both that guidance and the course along which something moves.

In context

Muhammad Saqlain3:09

doesn't affect speed but changes the direction of motion curving it away from a straight-line path

Elliptical orbits. Lectures animation.

More examples

Her research takes a new direction after the discovery.
The directions explain how to assemble the shelves.
The team works under her direction.

Forms

direction · directions

direct verb — To guide toward a place or goal.

directional adjective — Relating to the way something points or moves.

Similar words

course: Emphasizes the path followed rather than where something points.
orientation: Emphasizes how something faces or is positioned, not its movement.
route: Names a specific path taken to reach a destination.