directly

1 of 2

adverb

di·​rect·​ly də-ˈrek(t)-lē How to pronounce directly (audio)
dī-,
 in sense 2 especially  də-ˈrek-lē,
 or  ˈdrek-lē
1
a
: in a direct manner
directly relevant
the road runs directly east and west
b
: in immediate physical contact
c
: in the manner of direct variation
2
a
: without delay : immediately
the second game followed directly after the first
b
: in a little while : shortly
we'll be leaving directly

directly

2 of 2

conjunction

di·​rect·​ly də-ˈrek(t)-lē How to pronounce directly (audio)
dī-;
ˈdrek-lē
chiefly British
: immediately after : as soon as
directly I received it I rang up the shipping companyF. W. Crofts

Examples of directly in a Sentence

Adverb He refused to answer the question directly. She said that she wanted to speak to you directly. The package will be sent directly to your home. The two accidents are directly related. Thousands of people were directly affected by the disaster. Antonyms are words that are directly opposite in meaning. We parked directly behind the store. He sat directly across from me at the dinner table. Conjunction I came directly I received your message.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
Skin inflammation: When applied directly to the skin, the antioxidant compounds in green tea may reduce inflammation (swelling, irritation, and pain). Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024 Throughout the process, the assistant never directly handles execution, preserving the integrity and security of the organization’s backend systems. Pawel Rzeszucinski, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Directing high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation directly at a tumor or tumors on the liver to destroy cancer cells Prognosis and Life Expectancy The prognosis and life expectancy for liver disease depend on the type and severity of the disease. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2024 Joe Raedle | Getty Images It was previously known that Musk had engaged in at least one discussion with Putin directly. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for directly 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'directly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Conjunction

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of directly was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near directly

Cite this Entry

“Directly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directly. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

directly

adverb
di·​rect·​ly
də-ˈrek-(t)lē,
dī-,
 in sense 2 also  ˈdrek-lē
1
a
: in a direct manner
she spoke directly
b
: most closely located
the person directly to my left
2
: without delay : immediately
go directly home
3
: in the manner of direct variation
the perimeter of a square varies directly with the length of a side

More from Merriam-Webster on directly

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