All 10 Uses of
direct
in
The Hound of the Baskervilles
- Dr. Mortimer turned the manuscript to the light and read in a high, cracking voice the following curious, old-world narrative:— "Of the origin of the Hound of the Baskervilles there have been many statements, yet as I come in a direct line from Hugo Baskerville, and as I had the story from my father, who also had it from his, I have set it down with all belief that it occurred even as is here set forth."†
Chpt 2 (definition 1) *
- When a crisis comes, as it will do, I will direct how you shall act.
Chpt 5 (definition 2) *direct = instruct
- Visited twenty-three hotels as directed, but sorry, to report unable to trace cut sheet of Times.
Chpt 5 (definition 2)directed = instructed
- Anything which may seem to have a bearing however indirect upon the case, and especially the relations between young Baskerville and his neighbours or any fresh particulars concerning the death of Sir Charles.
Chpt 6 (definition 3)indirect = not straightforward (in an incidental or complicated manner)standard prefix: The prefix "in-" in indirect means not and reverses the meaning of direct. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.
- "Certainly, sir," said he, "I had the telegram delivered to Mr. Barrymore exactly as directed."
Chpt 7 (definition 2)directed = instructed
- We had arranged no plan of campaign, but the baronet is a man to whom the most direct way is always the most natural.
Chpt 9 (definition 3)direct = straightforward (uncomplicated)
- Again, there was no direct connection between the hound and the man's death.
Chpt 13 (definition 3) *direct = clear
- Mrs. Laura Lyons was in her office, and Sherlock Holmes opened his interview with a frankness and directness which considerably amazed her.
Chpt 13 (definition 3)directness = the quality of being straightforward or clear (without adjusting what is said to spare others' feelings)
- "The whole course of events," said Holmes, "from the point of view of the man who called himself Stapleton was simple and direct, although to us, who had no means in the beginning of knowing the motives of his actions and could only learn part of the facts, it all appeared exceedingly complex."
Chpt 15 (definition 3)direct = straightforward (clear and uncomplicated)
- At his command she consented to pass as his sister, though he found the limits of his power over her when he endeavoured to make her the direct accessory to murder.
Chpt 15 (definition 3)direct = clear
Definitions:
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(1) (direct as in: directly above; or buy direct from) straight (exactly where stated); or without involvement of anything in betweenThe exact meaning of this sense of direct is subject to its context. For example:
- "The road runs directly to Las Vegas." -- straight (without varying from a straight line)
- "It was a direct hit." -- exact
- "The plant is in direct sunlight." -- unobstructed (without anything in between)
- "She wants a direct meeting with him." -- personal (without other people in between)
- "She paid direct attention to what he was reading." -- close
- "a direct gaze" -- straight, steady, or focused--not a brief glance taken while generally looking at other things; not a sideways look
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(2) (direct as in: directed the jury to...) give instructions or commands
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(3) (direct as in: was direct in my instructions) straightforward (uncomplicated or simple -- perhaps also indicating openness and honesty, or little concern for others' feelings)