Leading
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To cover, fill, or affect with lead
Part of speech: noun
Definition: An act by which one is led or guided
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: Providing guidance or direction. Ranking first. Occurring in advance; preceding.
Example sentence: In the years leading up to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, thinking about defense was driven by ideas that regarded successful military operations as ends in themselves rather than just one instrument of power that must be coordinated with others to achieve - and sustain - political goals.
Directive
Part of speech: noun
Definition: An instruction or guideline that indicates how to perform an action or reach a goal.An authoritative decision from an official body, which may or may not have binding force.A form of legislative act addressed to the Member States. The directive binds the Member State to reach certain objectives in their national legislation.
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: that directs