directorate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, official, administrative
Quick answer
What does “directorate” mean?
A board or committee of directors that manages an organization, especially a government department or large corporation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A board or committee of directors that manages an organization, especially a government department or large corporation.
The office, position, or department headed by a director; the collective body of directors or the administrative unit they oversee.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In UK government contexts, 'directorate' is a common term for a major division within a ministry (e.g., 'Directorate-General' in the EU). In US corporate contexts, 'board of directors' is more common for the governing body, while 'directorate' often refers to the administrative unit.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of bureaucracy, officialdom, and structured hierarchy.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English, especially in public sector and EU institutional terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “directorate” in a Sentence
the directorate of [Organization/Department]a directorate for [Purpose/Function]serve on the directorateunder the directorateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “directorate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The minister will directorate the new initiative. (INCORRECT - 'directorate' is not a verb)
American English
- They plan to directorate the division. (INCORRECT - 'directorate' is not a verb)
adverb
British English
- The decision was made directorately. (NON-EXISTENT)
American English
- They acted directorately. (NON-EXISTENT)
adjective
British English
- She holds a directorate position. (POSSIBLE but rare; 'directorial' is standard)
American English
- He has directorate responsibilities. (POSSIBLE but rare; 'directorial' is standard)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The corporate directorate approved the merger after lengthy discussions.
Academic
The study analysed the decision-making processes within the EU's Directorate-General for Research.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation. Might appear in news: 'The health directorate issued new guidelines.'
Technical
The project falls under the remit of the Technical Directorate for Infrastructure Development.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “directorate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “directorate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “directorate”
- Using 'directorate' to refer to a single director (it's a collective/unit).
- Confusing 'Directorate-General' (EU term) with a simple 'directorate'.
- Misspelling as 'directorite' or 'directorat'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related but not identical. A 'board of directors' is specifically the governing elected body. A 'directorate' can refer to that board, but also to the office, department, or administrative unit headed by a director or directors.
No. 'Directorate' is a collective noun referring to a body of directors or their office. For a single person, use 'director'.
This is a term used primarily in the European Commission and some other international bodies. It refers to a major department, equivalent to a ministry at national level, headed by a Director-General.
No, it is a formal, administrative term. It is common in business, government, and institutional writing and speech, but unlikely to be used in casual conversation.
A board or committee of directors that manages an organization, especially a government department or large corporation.
Directorate is usually formal, official, administrative in register.
Directorate: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈrektərət/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈrektərət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The corridors of the directorate”
- “Directorate-level decision”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIRECT-or-ate. A group that DIRECTS the fate (orate) of an organization.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS A SHIP, DIRECTORATE IS THE BRIDGE/CAPTAIN'S CABIN.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'directorate' LEAST likely to be used?