direct
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1di·rect
verb \də-ˈrekt, dī-\Definition of DIRECT
transitive verb
1
a obsolete : to write (a letter) to a person b : to mark with the name and address of the intended recipient c : to impart orally d : to adapt in expression so as to have particular applicability <arguments directed at the emotions>
2
a : to regulate the activities or course of b : to carry out the organizing, energizing, and supervising of <direct a project> c : to dominate and determine the course of d : to train and lead performances of <direct a movie>
3
: to cause to turn, move, or point undeviatingly or to follow a straight course <X-rays directed through the body>
4
: to point, extend, or project in a specified line or course <direct the nozzle down>
5
: to request or enjoin with authority <the judge directed the jury to acquit>
6
: to show or point out the way for <signs directing us to the entrance>
intransitive verb
1
: to point out, prescribe, or determine a course or procedure
2
: to act as director
See Examples of DIRECT
- Be sure that the water nozzle is directed downward.
- The sloping ground helps direct water away from the home.
- Let me direct your attention to the book's second chapter.
- We were asked to direct our thoughts and prayers to the people who survived the disaster.
- The students directed their efforts toward improving their community.
- A lot of the criticism has been directed toward the concert's organizers.
- He is responsible for directing the activities of the sales team.
- In my current position, I direct a staff of over 200 employees.
- We need someone to direct traffic.
Origin of DIRECT
Middle English, from Anglo-French directer, from Latin directus straight, from past participle of dirigere to direct — more at dress
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to DIRECT
Rhymes with DIRECT
abject, advect, affect, aspect, bisect, cathect, collect, confect, connect, convect, correct, cowl-necked, defect, deflect, deject, detect, Dordrecht, effect, eject, elect, erect, ewe-necked, expect, goosenecked, infect, inflect, inject, insect, inspect, neglect, object, pandect, porrect, prefect, prelect, project, prospect, protect, refect, reflect, reject, resect, respect, ring-necked, roll-necked, select, stiff-necked, subject, suspect, traject, transect, trisect, Utrecht, V-necked
2direct
adjectiveDefinition of DIRECT
1
: having or being motion in the general planetary direction from west to east : not retrograde
2
a : stemming immediately from a source <direct result> b : being or passing in a straight line of descent from parent to offspring : lineal <direct ancestor> c : having no compromising or impairing element <a direct insult>
3
a : proceeding from one point to another in time or space without deviation or interruption : straight <a direct line> b : proceeding by the shortest way <the direct route>
4
: natural, straightforward <a direct manner>
5
a : marked by absence of an intervening agency, instrumentality, or influence <making direct observations of nature> b : effected by the action of the people or the electorate and not by representatives <direct democracy> c : consisting of or reproducing the exact words of a speaker or writer <a direct quotation>
6
: characterized by close logical, causal, or consequential relationship <direct evidence>
7
: capable of dyeing without the aid of a mordant
Examples of DIRECT
- I found a more direct route to the city.
- That way is more direct.
- Keep these plants out of direct sunlight.
- The coastline was exposed to the direct force of the hurricane.
- The weather had a direct effect on our plans.
- There's a direct connection between the two events.
- The investigation began in direct response to the newspaper story.
Origin of DIRECT
Middle English, from Latin directus
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to DIRECT
- Synonyms
- firsthand, immediate, primary, unmediated
- Antonyms
- indirect, secondhand
3direct
adverbDefinition of DIRECT
: in a direct way: as a : from point to point without deviation : by the shortest way <flew direct to Miami> b : from the source without interruption or diversion <the writer must take his material direct from life — Douglas Stewart> c : without an intervening agency or step <buy direct from the manufacturer>
Examples of DIRECT
- It costs less if you buy it direct from the manufacturer.
- <flew direct to the coast>
First Known Use of DIRECT
14th century
Related to DIRECT
- Antonyms
- indirectly
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