Words / C1

d-uh-REKT-uh-ree/dəˈrektəri/

A directory is a list of names, contacts, or files; in computing it is a folder: a telephone directory, a staff directory. A list is everyday; a rota assigns times; an organogram shows reporting lines. Knowing who exists is not knowing who covers Thursday night.

Meaning

A list of names, addresses, or files; also a folder in a computer system.

Examples

• “The staff directory is not a rota; the night sitting still needs named cover.”
• “List is everyday. Index is locations in a book. A folder is the computing sense. A directory answers who. A rota answers when. Publish both; do not file the directory as cover.”

Good to know

A listing of names or files. Everyday: list. Contrast: a rota (times). Computing: a folder. Names ≠ night cover.

Near in meaning

listing

New