diriger

The French verb diriger means to direct, to manage, or to lead. It refers to the action of guiding, controlling, or supervising someone or something.

Meaning and Usage

1. To lead or guide: When you "diriger" a group of people, a project, or an activity, you are steering, supervising, or being in charge of it.

   • Example: Il dirige une équipe de dix personnes. (He manages/leads a team of ten people.)

2. To send or point: It can also mean to aim or point something in a particular direction.

   • Example: Diriger un faisceau lumineux vers la cible. (To direct a beam of light towards the target.)

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Parts of the Word:

• diriger comes from the Latin dirigere, which breaks down into dis- (apart, in different directions) + regere (to rule or to guide).

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Synonyms (French):

• gérer (to manage)
• conduire (to drive, to lead)
• mener (to lead, to carry out)
• administrer (to administer)
• piloter (colloquial, to pilot or manage)

Antonyms (French):

• obéir (to obey) — indirect antonym since it involves compliance rather than leading.
• suivre (to follow) — not a perfect antonym, but opposite in the sense of leadership.
• être dirigé (to be directed) — passive opposed to active leadership.

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Summary

Diriger is a verb primarily related to leadership and guidance, useful in contexts of management, conducting, or aiming something towards a goal.