other-directed

[ uhth-er-di-rek-tid, -dahy- ]

adjective

1. guided by a set of values that is derived from current trends or outward influences rather than from within oneself.

other-directed

adjective

1. guided by values derived from external influences Compare inner-directed

Other Words From

• other-di·rected·ness noun
• other-di·rection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of other-directed¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Primarily written by David Riesman, with contributions from Reuel Denney and Dr. Glazer, the book proposed three character types with which to divide society — “other-directed,” “inner-directed” and “tradition-directed” — and was widely seen as a swipe at American consumerism and conformity.

From Washington Post

She was so other-directed that she was unable to manage her time well, always felt "overwhelmed" and was totally unable to see the big picture and think strategically.

From New York Times

Most people remember David Riesman’s “The Lonely Crowd” as a critique of mid-century men and women as other-directed, but he actually thought that inner- and outer-direction are mixed in everyone.

From The New Yorker

Although the characters are slightly older, it has a loose, comic vibe similar to “Girls,” as the characters engage in some anxious self-examination — and other-directed criticism — while they negotiate subtle changes in their affections for one another.

From New York Times

Intuitively, we recognize that the things that count most are priceless, irreplaceable and other-directed, most often.

From US News