All 7 Uses of
direct
in
Othello, the Moor of Venice
- To prison; till fit time
Of law and course of direct session
Call thee to answer.
Scene 1.2 (definition 1) *direct = immediate
- But, Othello, speak:
Did you by indirect and forced courses
Subdue and poison this young maid's affections?
Scene 1.3 (definition 2)indirect = not straightforward (deceptive)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.
- The lieutenant to-night watches on the court of guard: first, I must tell thee this—Desdemona is directly in love with him.
Scene 2.1 (definition 3)directly = completely
- How am I, then, a villain
To counsel Cassio to this parallel course,
Directly to his good?
Scene 2.3 (definition 3) *
- Take note, take note, O world,
To be direct and honest is not safe.
Scene 3.3 (definition 2) *direct = straightforward (specific and to the point)
- But yet, I say,
If imputation and strong circumstances,
— Which lead directly to the door of truth,
— Will give you satisfaction, you may have't.
Scene 3.3 (definition 1)directly = straight (without going anywhere else first)
- Thou hast taken against me a most just exception; but yet, I protest, I have dealt most directly in thy affair.
Scene 4.2 (definition 3)directly = completely
Definitions:
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(1) (direct as in: depart directly) without delay, or in the quickest manner, or without going somewhere else firsteditor's notes: You may see the term direct flight used in a technical manner that is not as quick as a non-stop flight. In technical usage, a direct flight from Los Angeles to New York could stop at a city on the way, but you would not get off the plane during the stop.
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(2) (direct as in: was direct in my instructions) straightforward (uncomplicated or simple -- perhaps also indicating openness and honesty, or little concern for others' feelings)
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(3) (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