DIRECT | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

late Middle English: from Latin directus, past participle of dirigere, from di- ‘distinctly’ or de- ‘down’ + regere ‘put straight’

extending or moving from one place to another without changing direction or stopping

going somewhere without stopping or changing direction

• there was no direct flight that day

without intervening factors or intermediaries

without intervening factors or intermediaries

• the complications are a direct result of bacteria spreading
• I had no direct contact with Mr Clark
• the government moved towards reintroducing direct rule

(of a person or their behaviour) going straight to the point; frank

going straight to the point

• he is very direct and honest

perpendicular to a surface; not oblique

perpendicular to a surface

• a direct butt joint between surfaces of steel

with no one or nothing in between

with no one or nothing in between

• they seem reluctant to deal with me direct

control the operations of; manage or govern

control operations of

• an economic elite directed the nation's affairs

aim (something) in a particular direction or at a particular person

aim in particular direction etc.

• heating ducts to direct warm air to rear-seat passengers
• his smile was directed at Lois

give (someone) an official order or authoritative instruction

give order or instruction to

• the judge directed him to perform community service
• he directed that no picture from his collection could be sold