All 6 Uses of
direct
in
The Guardian, by Nicholas Sparks
- Directly in front of him was a packet of miniature doughnuts sitting next to a can of Pepsi.†
Chpt 3directly = close
- The conversation was stilted, almost uncomfortable at first, because Richard didn't volunteer much more than was asked directly.†
Chpt 6 *directly = in a straightforward manner
- He paused, looking directly at her and holding her gaze, before finally nodding in Julie's direction.†
Chpt 6 *directly = straight (exactly where stated; used for emphasis)
- She noticed that he was looking directly at her as he spoke, and for a long moment, they simply stared at each other.†
Chpt 23
- 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.†
Chpt 38directly = straight (without anything in between)
- In an indirect way.†
Chpt 31indirect = not straightforwardstandard 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.
Definitions:
-
(1)
(direct as in: directly above; or buy direct) without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement
-
(2)
(direct as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
-
(3)
(direct as in: direct a question; or direct a film) to guide, aim, or manage -- such as actions, attention, speech, a project or company
-
(4)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
Direct can take on many specialized meanings not included in this dictionary.As an adjective or adverb, direct usually means there is a clear or straight connection with nothing in the way. It can also mean easy to understand, without confusion. For example:- Direct action – taking quick and clear steps to make something happen
- Direct descendant – someone who comes straight from an ancestor, like a grandchild
- Direct line (in genealogy) – a family connection that goes straight from one generation to the next
- Direct deposit – money that is sent straight into a bank account
- Direct object – in a sentence, the person or thing that receives the action of the verb
- Direct kick – in sports, a kick where the ball can go straight into the goal without touching another player
- Direct cost – a cost that comes straight from making a product or providing a service
- Direct investment – putting money directly into a company or project
- Direct elections – when people vote for leaders without going through an extra step
- Direct current (DC) – a type of electric flow that moves in only one direction
As a verb, most all of the senses of direct involve giving orders or aiming.