direct

[dəˈrekt]

direct Definition

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

• straight
• unswerving
• honest
• frank
• blunt

Antonyms for direct

• indirect
• crooked
• devious

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.