Directors

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /dɪˈɹɛktɚz/

Definitions

1. Individuals serving on a board that manages a company or organization ; persons responsible for overseeing the creative aspects and production of a film or theatrical performance
2. Members elected or appointed to guide the policies and decisions of a corporation or institution ; those who plan, coordinate, and control the artistic and technical elements of movies or stage productions
3. People who hold positions to govern and make strategic corporate decisions ; people who lead and manage the artistic vision and execution of cinematic or theatrical works

Etymology: "Directors" is simply the plural of "director," so its history is that of the singular noun. "Director" came into English from Middle French "directeur," which in turn came from Late Latin "dīrēctōrem," the source of the English word, built on the Latin adjective "dīrēctus," meaning "straight" or "arranged in a straight line." The idea of leading someone in a straight course gave rise to the sense of guiding or managing others. The word's internal structure is plain on the surface: it is "direct" with the agent ending "-or," so a director is literally one who directs. Governing board members took on this name because they steer an organization's course, much as a person steering a ship keeps it on its heading.

Synonyms: managers, leaders, supervisors, administrators

Antonyms: subordinates, followers