2 meanings, 6 uses
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1 —4 uses as in:
directly above; or buy direct from
Definition
straight (exactly where stated); or without involvement of anything in between
The 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
- She noticed that he was looking directly at her as he spoke, and for a long moment, they simply stared at each other.Twenty-three (47% in)
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- Directly in front of him was a packet of miniature doughnuts sitting next to a can of Pepsi.Three (76% in)
- He paused, looking directly at her and holding her gaze, before finally nodding in Julie's direction.Six (90% in)
- It offered basic information, but not much else—he had no doubt the reporter had gathered the information directly from the police department—and listed a hot line number for people to call if they had any information.Thirty-eight (24% in)
There are no more uses of "direct" flagged with this meaning in The Guardian.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
2 —2 uses as in:
was direct in my instructions
Definition
straightforward (uncomplicated or simple — perhaps also indicating openness and honesty)
- The conversation was stilted, almost uncomfortable at first, because Richard didn't volunteer much more than was asked directly.Six (65% in)
- In an indirect way.Thirty-one (61% in)
There are no more uses of "direct" flagged with this meaning in The Guardian.
Typical Usage
(best examples)