proceeding in a straight line or by the shortest course; straight; undeviating; not oblique, without intervening persons, influences, factors, etc.; immediate; personal, straightforward; frank; candid

in direct proportion to, direct from the shoulder, direct one's steps

direct hit, direct flight, direct object

Formal and Informal Expressions of direct

In different contexts, you can replace 'direct' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'straightforward, candid' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'frank, blunt' is a commonplace synonym.

direct: Explore its Definition & Usage

direct Definition

1proceeding in a straight line or by the shortest course; straight; undeviating; not oblique
2without intervening persons, influences, factors, etc.; immediate; personal
3straightforward; frank; candid

Using direct: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "direct" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The direct route to the city center is through this street.
Example
I have direct access to the CEO of the company.
Example
Let me give you some direct advice: don't lie to your boss.
Example
She was very direct in her criticism of his work.

direct Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for direct

Antonyms for direct

Idioms Using direct

in direct proportion to
in a relationship where one thing increases or decreases as the other increases or decreases
Example
The amount of money he earns is in direct proportion to the number of hours he works.
direct from the shoulder
to speak frankly and honestly
Example
He told her directly from the shoulder that he didn't like her new hairstyle.
direct one's steps
to go straight to a particular place
Example
We directed our steps towards the nearest town.

Phrases with direct

direct hit
a hit that strikes a target directly and accurately
Example
The missile scored a direct hit on the enemy's headquarters.
direct flight
a flight that goes directly from one airport to another without stopping
Example
There are no direct flights from New York to Sydney.
direct object
a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a transitive verb
Example
In the sentence 'I ate an apple,' 'apple' is the direct object.

Origins of direct

from Latin 'directus', meaning 'straight'

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Summary: direct in Brief

The term 'direct' [dəˈrekt] refers to something that is straight, straightforward, and without deviation. It can describe a physical path, as in 'The direct route to the city center is through this street,' or a personal relationship, as in 'I have direct access to the CEO of the company.' 'Direct' can also describe a communication style, as in 'She was very direct in her criticism of his work.' Phrases like 'direct hit' and 'direct flight' denote accuracy and efficiency, while idioms like 'in direct proportion to' and 'direct from the shoulder' convey a sense of honesty and frankness.