direct

verb

di·rect | \ də-ˈrekt

, dī-\

directed; directing; directs

Definition of direct

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to cause to turn, move, or point undeviatingly or to follow a straight course X-rays directed through the body

2 : to point, extend, or project in a specified line or course direct the nozzle downward

3a : to regulate the activities or course of directs a staff of over 200 employees

b : to carry out the organizing, energizing, and supervising of direct a project directed a call center

c : to train and lead performances of direct a movie directing a famous actor

d : to dominate and determine the course of … will not find it preposterous that the past should be altered by the present as much as the present is directed by the past.— T. S. Eliot

4a : to impart orally directed the remark to her fellow senators

b : to mark with the name and address of the intended recipient

c : to adapt in expression so as to have particular applicability arguments directed at the emotions

d obsolete : to write (a letter) to a person

5 : to show or point out the way for signs directing us to the entrance

6 : to request or enjoin (see enjoin sense 1) with authority the judge directed the jury to acquit

intransitive verb

1 : to act as director of a show or musical ensemble She both acted and directed in the film.

2 : to point out, prescribe, or determine a course or procedure

direct

adjective

Definition of direct (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : proceeding from one point to another in time or space without deviation or interruption : straight a direct line

b : proceeding by the shortest way the direct route

2a : stemming immediately from a source direct result

b : being or passing in a straight line of descent from parent to offspring : lineal direct ancestor

c : having no compromising or impairing element a direct insult

3 : natural, straightforward a direct manner asked him to be more direct was direct in her criticism

4a : marked by absence of an intervening agency, instrumentality, or influence making direct observations of nature

b : effected or brought about by the action of the people or the electorate and not by representatives direct democracy

c : consisting of or reproducing the exact words of a speaker or writer a direct quotation

5 : characterized by close logical, causal, or consequential relationship direct evidence

6 astronomy : having or being motion in the general planetary direction from west to east : not retrograde (see retrograde entry 1 sense 1a(1))

7 : capable of dyeing without the aid of a mordant

direct

adverb

Definition of direct (Entry 3 of 3)

: in a direct (see direct entry 2) way: such as

a : from point to point without deviation : by the shortest way flew direct to Miami

b : from the source without interruption or diversion (see diversion sense 1) the writer must take his material direct from life— Douglas Stewart

c : without an intervening agency (see agency sense 3) or step buy direct from the manufacturer

Other Words from direct Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about direct

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Synonyms & Antonyms for direct

Synonyms: Verb

canalize, channel, channelize, conduct, funnel, pipe, siphon (also syphon)

Synonyms: Adjective

firsthand, immediate, primary, unmediated

Synonyms: Adverb

dead, directly, due, plumb, plump, right, straight, straightway

Antonyms: Adjective

indirect, secondhand

Antonyms: Adverb

indirectly

Choose the Right Synonym for direct

Verb

command, order, bid, enjoin, direct, instruct, charge mean to issue orders. command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality. command stresses official exercise of authority. a general commanding troops order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise. ordered his employees about like slaves bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants). she bade him be seated enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude. a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality. directed her assistant to hold all calls the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility. charged by the President with a secret mission

conduct, manage, control,

direct

Definition of direct

Synonyms & Antonyms for direct

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