Direct

/da‍ɪɹˈɛkt/

/daɪˈɹɛkt/, /dɝˈɛkt/, /dɪˈɹɛkt/

Definition & Meaning of "direct"

direct

ADJECTIVE

going from one place to another in a straight line without stopping or changing direction

straight

straightforward

Example

The direct route to the airport takes approximately twenty minutes by car.

She prefers to take the direct path through the forest rather than the winding trails.

The river flows in a direct course from the mountains to the sea.

expressing thoughts or feelings clearly and without evasion

blunt

candid

forthright

frank

free-spoken

Example

Her direct behavior made her a trusted leader in the group.

They valued her direct and clear feedback during the meeting.

She was direct in her criticism, sparing no details.

having a clear and immediate connection between two things or people, without any intermediaries

immediate

proximate

unmediated

Example

She made a direct purchase from the manufacturer.

The company prefers direct communication with its clients.

The results were a direct consequence of their actions.

related to a straight family line, like parents, children, and their descendants

lineal

Example

She researched her direct ancestors for a school project.

The title is only passed to direct heirs in the family.

They found evidence of their direct lineage to a famous ruler.

moving eastward across the sky in line with the planet's true orbit

Example

Mars is currently in direct motion, moving steadily eastward.

The comet followed a direct course, consistent with its orbit.

Mercury ’s direct phase allows smoother predictions for its position.

having a total or absolute nature, often highlighting a clear or strong contrast

Example

The company ’s new direction was in direct opposition to previous strategies.

His reaction was in direct contrast to what we expected.

The new policy made a direct change in how we operate.

having the exact words of the speaker or source, without any changes or paraphrasing

verbatim

Example

He used a direct quotation from Shakespeare in his speech.

The author included a direct quotation from the interview in the article.

She included several direct quotes from the author in her essay.

to direct

VERB

to give instructions to actors and organize the scenes or flow of a movie, play, etc.

Transitive: to direct actors or a show

Example

During rehearsals, the director focused on directing the actors' movements and expressions to convey the intended emotions.

She enjoys directing school plays because she gets to work closely with the young actors and help them improve.

The director spent hours on set, directing the actors to bring their characters to life.

to aim an object toward a specific target or direction

aim

level

point

present

sight

Transitive: to direct a weapon

Example

She directed the camera toward the horizon for a dramatic shot.

The photographer directed the flash toward the subject to improve lighting.

The soldier directed his weapon toward the target.

to control the affairs of an organization or institution

administer

administrate

lead

manage

Transitive: to direct an organization

Example

The CEO strategically directs the organization to achieve its long-term goals.

By the time the CEO retired, he had successfully directed the company for two decades.

She was hired to direct the non-profit organization and oversee its community programs.

to purposefully channel or apply one's attention, energy, or emotions toward a specific goal, person, or task

channel

Transitive: to direct one's effort or attention to a goal or target | to direct one's effort or attention toward a goal or target

Example

She directed her efforts toward completing the project ahead of the deadline.

The manager directed the staff ’s efforts toward increasing sales for the quarter.

The artist directed her attention to the intricate details of the painting.

to give an order or instruction with authority

command

instruct

order

Ditransitive: to direct sb to do sth

Example

The general directed his troops to advance at dawn.

The teacher directed the students to open their textbooks to page 50.

The captain directed the crew to prepare the ship for departure.

to focus or point something, such as an action, message, or object, toward a specific person, place, or target

Transitive: to direct sth at sb/sth | to direct sth toward sb/sth

Example

He directed the flashlight toward the noise in the bushes.

They directed their fundraising efforts at supporting local schools.

The teacher directed her question at the quietest student in the room.

to guide a group of musicians in performing music, typically as a conductor

conduct

lead

Transitive: to direct a group of musicians

Example

She was hired to direct the school orchestra during their spring concert.

He was chosen to direct the choir for the upcoming holiday service.

The conductor directed the musicians with precise hand gestures, ensuring a perfect harmony.

to aim a product or service toward a particular audience or group

aim

Transitive: to direct a product or service at specific consumers

Example

The company directed its new smartphone at tech-savvy young adults.

They directed their luxury brand at high-income professionals.

The skincare line was directed specifically at teenagers struggling with acne.

to give someone clear instructions or guidance on how to reach a specific location

conduct

guide

lead

show

Transitive: to direct sb to a place

Example

The staff member directed him to the conference room on the second floor.

Could you direct me to the nearest gas station?

He directed her to the right exit when she asked for help.

to manage and oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of activities or operations

Transitive: to direct an operation or undertaking

Example

The manager will direct the new project, coordinating tasks between various departments.

She was hired to direct the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly from start to finish.

The coach directed the practice, supervising drills and motivating the athletes.

to specify the recipient and destination of a letter or parcel

address

Transitive: to direct a parcel to a person or address

Example

Please direct the package to my office address for faster delivery.

The letter was incorrectly directed to the wrong department.

Make sure to direct all correspondence to the customer service team.

direct

ADVERB

in a straight line or without turning

directly

straight

true

Example

The road goes direct to the city center.

She walked direct to the front desk without stopping.

The airplane flew direct to its destination, avoiding any layovers.

going straight to the source or without anyone or anything else involved

directly

immediately

Example

She made the complaint direct to the manager.

He contacted the supplier direct for the materials.

They prefer to handle transactions direct, without agents.

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Definition & Meaning of "direct"

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