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direct
used in October Sky

5 meanings, 13 uses
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1  —5 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
  • I stirred uncomfortably when she raised her eyes from her prepared remarks and seemed to be looking directly at me.
    Chapter 26 (31% in)
directly = straight (exactly where stated; used for emphasis)
Other Uses (with this meaning)
  • By Monday morning, almost every word on the radio was about Sputnik. ... He talked directly to students "across McDowell County" about how we'd better study harder to "catch up with the Russians."
    Chapter 2 (12% in)
    • directly = straight (without anyone in between)
  • Involuntarily, I slid down in the pew when Reverend Lanier looked directly at me.
    Chapter 7 (71% in)
    • directly = straight (exactly where stated; used for emphasis)
  • Before he got there, the fuse reached the powder and the rocket whooshed off the pad, climbed about fifty feet, and then, as if aimed, turned and flew directly at the men lounging on the Pontiac fender.
    Chapter 9 (59% in)
    • directly = straight (in a straight line)
  • Perhaps there may not be a direct scholarship prize, but success will get us noticed by someone.
    Chapter 16 (73% in)
direct = exact
There are no more uses of "direct" flagged with this meaning in October Sky.

Typical Usage  (best examples)
Dictionary / pronunciation — Google®Dictionary / more samples — Oxford® USDictionary list — Onelook.com®
2  —2 uses as in:
was direct in my instructions
Definition
straightforward (uncomplicated or simple — perhaps also indicating openness and honesty)
  • He didn't answer me directly.
    Chapter 25 (92% in)
directly = in a straightforward manner (clearly without any ambiguity)
  • After giving him a week, I decided to take direct action and went up to the mine carpentry shop to see Mr. McDuff.
    Chapter 8 (62% in)
direct = straightforward (without involving extra factors)
There are no more uses of "direct" flagged with this meaning in October Sky.

Typical Usage  (best examples)
Dictionary / pronunciation — Google®Dictionary / more samples — Oxford® USDictionary list — Onelook.com®
3  —3 uses as in:
directed her question to
Definition
to indicate direction; or to cause movement or focus in a direction or towards an object
The exact meaning of this sense of direct is subject to its context. For example:
  • "intentionally directed fire at unarmed civilians" — aimed a gun
  • "directed the question to her" — aimed a question
  • "directed her north" — pointed in a particular direction
  • "directed attention to the 3rd paragraph" — focused attention on a particular object
  • "The sound of her voice directed him to the kitchen." — guided or gave directions to someone to help them move to a particular place
  • "She directed him to the airport." — gave directions to send someone to a particular place
  • "She directed the boat north." — steered it
  • "directed the letter to" — send a letter to a particular person by putting a name and address on it
  • Dad entered the blockhouse, and I directed him to the firing panel after checking the connections.
    Chapter 26 (88% in)
directed = guided
Other Uses (with this meaning)
  • The tipple area of the mine seemed to be strangely lit—a big spotlight directed at the man-hoist—as my ride carried me past it.
    Chapter 17 (96% in)
    • directed = pointed
  • I was directed to an area on the outer edge of the displays with other exhibitors of propulsion projects.
    Chapter 25 (33% in)
directed = sent
There are no more uses of "direct" flagged with this meaning in October Sky.

Typical Usage  (best examples)
Dictionary / pronunciation — Google®Dictionary / more samples — Oxford® USDictionary list — Onelook.com®
4  —2 uses as in:
directed the jury to...
Definition
give instructions or commands
  • Mr. Fuller was walking beside the bulldozer, directing the driver.
    Chapter 21 (91% in)
directing = instructing
  • Our teachers would wait patiently until she was through and then direct one of us boys to pick up her things and place them back on her desk.
    Chapter 12 (28% in)
direct = instruct
There are no more uses of "direct" flagged with this meaning in October Sky.

Typical Usage  (best examples)
Dictionary / pronunciation — Google®Dictionary / more samples — Oxford® USDictionary list — Onelook.com®
5  —1 use as in:
directed the movie
Definition
supervise, control, or to be in charge of
  • The traffic had increased to the point that Tag had to come down and direct it.
    Chapter 22 (77% in)
direct = control (give instructions to)
There are no more uses of "direct" flagged with this meaning in October Sky.

Typical Usage  (best examples)
Dictionary / pronunciation — Google®Dictionary / more samples — Oxford® USDictionary list — Onelook.com®