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direct
used in The Witch of Blackbird Pond

3 meanings, 12 uses
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1  —2 uses as in:
depart directly
Definition
without delay, or in the quickest manner, or without going somewhere else first
  • Go directly home, boys and girls.
    p. 89.7
directly = straight (without delay or interruption)
  • These two she would take directly to Uncle Matthew, and this time she felt sure he would let his daughters accept them, because he would know now that she offered the gifts with love instead of pride.
    p. 242.5
directly = immediately
There are no more uses of "direct" flagged with this meaning in The Witch of Blackbird Pond.

Typical Usage  (best examples)
Dictionary / pronunciation — Google®Dictionary / more samples — Oxford® USDictionary list — Onelook.com®
2  —6 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 lifted her chin and looked directly into those searching eyes.
    p. 35.8
directly = straight (exactly where stated; used for emphasis)
Other Uses (with this meaning)
  • The few times she happened to be directly in his path he tossed her an indifferent grin and his quizzical blue eyes flicked past and dismissed her.
    p. 17.5
    • directly = exactly where stated (used for emphasis)
  • It was almost too much to bear when she heard a splash directly below her and saw that Nat and two of the other young men had taken advantage of a wait for the rowboat and were thrashing about like porpoises in the river.
    p. 21.9
    • directly = close, or in a straight line
  • At the door Matthew Wood left his family and moved with dignity to the deacon's bench directly in front of the pulpit.
    p. 52.9
    • directly = close
  • The sun slanted directly downward through the chinks in the roof when the sermon ended.
    p. 54.9
    • directly = straight (in a straight line)
  • Now that she stood directly in front of him she could see the bruise that the careless missile had left.
    p. 167.4
directly = close
There are no more uses of "direct" flagged with this meaning in The Witch of Blackbird Pond.

Typical Usage  (best examples)
Dictionary / pronunciation — Google®Dictionary / more samples — Oxford® USDictionary list — Onelook.com®
3  —4 uses as in:
was direct in my instructions
Definition
straightforward (uncomplicated or simple — perhaps also indicating openness and honesty)
  • The magistrate spoke to her directly. "I had considered this morning's inquiry merely a formality. I did not expect to find any evidence worthy of carrying to the court. But this is a serious mater. You must explain to us how this child's name came to be written."
    p. 215.1
directly = in a clear, straightforward manner
Other Uses (with this meaning)
  • All her life, whenever her grandfather had asked her a question he had expected a direct answer.
    p. 36.1
    • direct = clear and straightforward
  • Now, in this stern man facing her, so totally different from her grandfather, Kit sensed the same quality of directness, and out of an instinctive respect she gave the only honest answer she could.
    p. 36.2
    • directness = quality of being honest and straightforward

    (Editor's note:  The suffix "-ness" converts an adjective to a noun that means the quality of. This is the same pattern you see in words like darkness, kindness, and coolness.)
  • You will answer yes or no. Is it true that you have engaged with the Widow Tupper in various enchantments with the direct intent of causing mischief to certain people?
    p. 211.3
direct = specific and clear
There are no more uses of "direct" flagged with this meaning in The Witch of Blackbird Pond.

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