What is direction?

What is direction? Usually, this term refers to the direction of movement in the direction of something. However, if you look closely at it, you will find that the interpretation of this word is much wider. Let's try to figure out that this is a direction.

What is said in the dictionary?

The first of the meanings of the “direction” indicated in the dictionary is as follows. This action, corresponding to the meaning of the verb "direct". It means the aspiration of an object to a certain point or side.

Examples of the use of the word in this interpretation.

• Finally, we reached the eastbound signpost.
• Upon mature reflection, the general director was convinced that the appointment of Filippov to the position of branch manager in Arkhangelsk was the right decision.
• If the integrity of these organs is violated, blood flow in the opposite direction is possible. This can lead to heart failure.
• After a thorough study of the terrain and reconciliation with the map, geologists realized that all this time they were moving in the right direction.

Direction as line

The second meaning of “direction” is a line that points or is directed in a certain direction.

• On the plan proposed by the chief of staff for study, the direction of the rocket turned toward the target was marked in red.
• The students were given the task to display the train moving northward in a solid line. The movement in the opposite direction had to be indicated by a dashed line.
• To choose the right direction, just open the map, look at the bold black lines there and follow according to these signs.

Figuratively

What is this “direction” in figurative meaning? This is part of a certain scientific, social or artistic community, which is united on the basis of similar ideas, goals, principles.

Examples of use:

• It is rather difficult for the older generation to understand what attracts young people in such modern musical directions as rap and hip-hop.
• In the XIX century, in literature, art and philosophy, there was a sharp confrontation between the Slavophiles and supporters of the western direction in the development of Russia.
• In the visual arts there is a wide variety of styles and trends that often do not have clearly defined boundaries. Styles can smoothly flow from one to another, while experiencing continuous development.

• Impressionism is such a direction in painting, which is mainly associated with outdoor work. It is designed to convey the artist’s light sensation.
• Romanticism refers to the artistic and ideological direction characteristic of European and American culture of the late XVIII - the first half of the XIX century, affirming the value of the spiritual, creative life of an individual person, depicting strong, rebellious characters and passions, as well as inspired nature.

Direction as a document

In this understanding, a referral is an official document that orders to arrive or appear at some place.

Examples of use:

• In the clinic, a notice hung in a prominent place saying that children under the age of 17 would be admitted only according to the direction of the attending physician. The document must bear the signature of the trustee.
• Soon Petrov was already standing in front of the garrison duty officer and presenting him with a certificate, as well as sending him to serve in the unit.
• After consulting with teachers, the head of the department decided that such a talented student as Amosov deserves to be sent to graduate school.
• According to medical standards, in accordance with the available indications, patients can expect to receive a referral for MRI and CT scan. In this case, the procedure is free.

Understanding the meaning of the word “direction” will be facilitated by familiarization with its origin, which is presented below.

Etymology

According to scientists, the word comes from the verb "send". It is formed by adding the prefix “on” and the verb “edit”. The latter is rooted in the Proto-Slavic language, where the word praviti is. Among other things, Old Russian, Russian, Church Slavonic, Ukrainian “reigns” were formed from it, which has many meanings, such as “to guide, teach, instruct, guide, manage, dispose”.

The pre-Slavic verb praviti is derived from the short adjective prāv, from which for example:

• Ukrainian "right";
• Belarusian “right”;
• Lower Luzhsky ršawy;
• polabskoe próvy;
• Czech and Slovak pravý;
• Old Russian and Old Slavonic “right”, which means “direct, correct, innocent”;
• Bulgarian “rights”, meaning “direct, right”;
• Serbo-Croatian law - “innocent, direct”; right, which translates as “right, real”;
• the Slovenian dialect pràv is “right” and the adjective prȃvi is “right, right”;
• Polish and Upper Luzhsky prawy, meaning "right, straight, real."