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[BMO]

I am trying to figure out what direct means in terms of its root. According to www.etymonline.com and AHD, direct is from dis-, apart + regere, to lead. How do you explain "leading apart" in a common sense?

Thanks a lot.

bmo

[asterix]

Direct is from the past participle (directus)of the Latin verb: dirigere , which means to direct.
Your internet source seems to have dropped the ball on this because the prefix dis- indicates negation, reversal of the meaning (disengage), removal (dismember), expulsion (disbar)
and so on.

[CP]

It looks like BMO's source went one step back from dirigere to regere, which does mean to lead, but also to direct, to rule, etc. Its past participle, rectus, also mean upright, direct, straight, etc.

The prefix dis / di has several meanings, according to an online dictionary:

dis- or dī- praep., inseparable [DVA-] , dis before c, p, q, s, t, dī- before d, g, l, m, n, r, and v (but usu. dimminuō, sometimes disrumpo), dif- before f Before a vowel dis- becomes dir-; before i consonant, sometimes dī, sometimes dis-. Iacio makes dīsiciō or dissiciō.--Asunder, apart, away, in different directions; see diffindo, discedo, dimitto, divido, etc.--Between, among, through; see dinosco, diiudico, diligo, etc.--Fig., not, un- (reversing or negativing the primitive); see diffido, displiceo, dissuadeo, etc.--Exceedingly, utterly; see differtus, dilaudo, dispereo.

So direct is not so much "leading apart" as "straight through."
_________________
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[BMO]

Learned from another source it could mean:

1. Direct - Director sets apart from workers, only issues instructions.
2. Direct - Issues commands from afar.

What do you think?

[BMO]

American Heritage Dictionary says DIRECT is to arrange in distinct lines.
Do you know what it is?

[pugachevV]

You asked for the etymology.
Do you want to know what direct means?

[BMO]

Thanks, I already know the meaning. I am into etymology; it is interesting.