Meaning of DIRECT in English


(~s, ~ing, ~ed)



Direct means moving towards a place or object, without changing ~ion and without stopping, for example in a journey.

They’d come on a ~ flight from Athens.

? in~

ADJ: usu ADJ n

Direct is also an adverb.

You can fly ~ to Amsterdam from most British airports.

ADV: ADV after v


The jumbo jet is due to fly the hostages ~ly back to London.

ADV: ADV after v


If something is in ~ heat or light, it is strongly affected by the heat or light, because there is nothing between it and the source of heat or light to protect it.

Medicines should be stored away from ~ sunlight...



You use ~ to describe an experience, activity, or system which only involves the people, actions, or things that are necessary to make it happen.

He has ~ experience of the process of privatisation...

He seemed to be in ~ contact with the Boss...

ADJ: usu ADJ n

Direct is also an adverb.

I can deal ~ with your Inspector Kimble...

ADV: ADV after v


We cannot measure pain ~ly. It can only be estimated...

ADV: ADV with v


You use ~ to emphasize the closeness of a connection between two things.

They were unable to prove that she died as a ~ result of his injection...

? in~

ADJ: usu ADJ n emphasis


If you describe a person or their behaviour as ~, you mean that they are honest and open, and say exactly what they mean.

He avoided giving a ~ answer...

? in~



At your first meeting, explain simply and ~ly what you hope to achieve...

ADV: ADV after v


Using ‘I’ adds ~ness to a piece of writing...



If you ~ something at a particular thing, you aim or point it at that thing.

I ~ed the extinguisher at the fire without effect...

= aim

VERB: V n at/towards/on n


If your attention, emotions, or actions are ~ed at a particular person or thing, you are focusing them on that person or thing.

The learner’s attention needs to be ~ed to the significant features...

Do not be surprised if, initially, she ~s her anger at you...

= focus

VERB: be V-ed to/towards n/-ing, V n at n


If a remark or look is ~ed at you, someone says something to you or looks at you.

She could hardly believe the question was ~ed towards her...

The abuse was ~ed at the TV crews...

Arnold ~ed a meaningful look at Irma.

VERB: be V-ed towards n, be V-ed at n, V n at n


If you ~ someone somewhere, you tell them how to get there.

Could you ~ them to Dr Lamont’s office, please?...

VERB: V n to n


When someone ~s a project or a group of people, they are responsible for organizing the people and activities that are involved.

Christopher will ~ day-to-day operations.



Organizations need clear ~ion...



When someone ~s a film, play, or television programme, they are responsible for the way in which it is performed and for telling the actors and assistants what to do.

He ~ed various TV shows...

...Miss Birkin’s long-held ambition to ~ as well as act.

VERB: V n, V


If you are ~ed to do something, someone in authority tells you to do it. (FORMAL)

They have been ~ed to give special attention to the problem of poverty...

The Bishop ~ed the faithful to stay at home.

VERB: be V-ed to-inf, V n to-inf


If you are a ~ descendant of someone, you are related to them through your parents and your grandparents and so on.

She is a ~ descendant of Queen Victoria.



see also ~ion , ~ly
