Definition of "direct"

direct

/d(a)ɪˈɹɛkt/

adjective
comparative more direct, superlative most direct
1. Proceeding without deviation or interruption.
2. Straight; not crooked, oblique, or circuitous; leading by the short or shortest way to a point or end.
3. Straightforward; sincere.
  Quotations
  Be even and direct with me.
  c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act II, scene ii]
4. Immediate; express; plain; unambiguous.
  Quotations
  He nowhere, that I know, says it in direct words.
  1689 December (indicated as 1690), [John Locke], chapter 1, in Two Treatises of Government: […], London: […] Awnsham Churchill, […]
  Nor did the government scruple a direct and avowed interference with elections.
  1827, Henry Hallam, “On the English Constitution from Henry VII. to Mary”, in The Constitutional History of England from the Accession of Henry VII. to the Death of George II. […], volume I, London: John Murray, […], page 48
5. In the line of descent; not collateral.
6. (astronomy) In the direction of the general planetary motion, or from west to east; in the order of the signs; not retrograde; said of the motion of a celestial body.
7. (political science) Pertaining to, or effected immediately by, action of the people through their votes instead of through one or more representatives or delegates.
8. (aviation, travel) Having a single flight number.
adverb
comparative more direct, superlative most direct
1. Directly.
  Quotations
  The walls, which are fixed direct into the ground without a plinth, are made of wattle and plastered with a thin lair of mud or cowdung.
  1912, Central Provinces (India), Central Provinces District Gazetteers, page 96
  Presumably Mary is to carry messages that she, Anne, is too delicate to convey direct.
  2009, Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall, Fourth Estate, published 2010, page 346
verb
third-person singular simple present directs, present participle directing, simple past and past participle directed
1. To manage, control, steer.
2. To aim (something) at (something else).
3. To point out to or show (somebody) the right course or way; to guide, as by pointing out the way.
  Quotations
  the next points to which I will direct your attention
  1882, John Lubbock, Flowers, Fruits and Leaves
4. To point out to with authority; to instruct as a superior; to order.
  Quotations
  I'll first direct my men what they shall do.
  c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merry Wiues of Windsor”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act IV, scene ii]
5. (dated) To address (a letter) to a particular person or place.
  Quotations
  [A]s I do not know where I shall be, and shall have my letters sent after me as soon as I do know, continue to direct hither.
  1792, Charlotte Smith, Desmond, Broadview, published 2001, page 310

Definition of "direct"

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