All 3 Uses of
direct
in
The Glass Castle
- 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 (definition 1) *direct = clear and specific
- A door in the basement led directly outside, so we never went upstairs.
p. 147..4 (definition 2) *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..9 (definition 2)direct = where stated (used for emphasis)
Definitions:
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(1) (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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(2) (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