All 3 Uses
direct
in
The Glass Castle
(Edited)
- Dad whipped us with his belt, but never out of anger, and only if we back-talked or disobeyed a direct order, which was rare.
p. 59.3 *direct = clear and specific
- A door in the basement led directly outside, so we never went upstairs.
p. 147.4 *directly = straight (without anything in between)
- Since they were downhill, we had a good line of fire and scored several direct hits, the rocks dinging off their bikes, nicking the paint and denting the fenders.
p. 166.9direct = where stated (used for emphasis)
Definitions:
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(1)
(direct as in: directly above; or buy direct) without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement
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(2)
(direct as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
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(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
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(4)
(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.