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0 English - Monolingual Dictionary

Direct

dəˈrɛkt
Very common
~ 1700
~ 1700, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Straightforward and without deviation; taking the shortest route, Having no intervening persons, agencies, conditions, etc.; immediate, To manage or control the operations, affairs, or resources of; to oversee or supervise, To aim, point, or guide in a particular direction or at a particular target, To show or indicate the way for; to give information or instructions to

Direct - Meanings

Straightforward and without deviation; taking the shortest route

Example: Please give me direct instructions on how to get to the airport.
Usage: formalContext: navigation, instructions
Note: Used when referring to a clear and concise route or instructions.

Having no intervening persons, agencies, conditions, etc.; immediate

Example: I had a direct conversation with the manager about my concerns.
Usage: formalContext: communication, interactions
Note: Implies a one-on-one or straightforward conversation or interaction.

To manage or control the operations, affairs, or resources of; to oversee or supervise

Example: She directs a team of researchers in the lab.
Usage: formalContext: leadership, management
Note: Commonly used in professional settings to indicate leadership responsibilities.

To aim, point, or guide in a particular direction or at a particular target

Example: Direct the spotlight towards the center of the stage.
Usage: formalContext: direction, guidance
Note: Used when instructing someone to focus or point something in a specific way.

To show or indicate the way for; to give information or instructions to

Example: Can you direct me to the nearest post office?
Usage: informalContext: asking for help, directions
Note: Commonly used in everyday conversations when seeking guidance or assistance.

Direct's synonyms

straight

Straight means proceeding in one direction without curving or veering.
Example: Please take the straight road to reach the destination.
Note: Straight emphasizes a lack of deviation or bending in a literal or figurative sense.

immediate

Immediate means happening or done without delay.
Example: We need to take immediate action to resolve the issue.
Note: Immediate suggests acting or reacting without any intervening time or space.

unmediated

Unmediated means not involving any intermediary or intervention.
Example: They had an unmediated conversation without any interference.
Note: Unmediated specifically implies a directness without any medium or third party.

undeviating

Undeviating means not deviating or changing from a set course or direction.
Example: His undeviating focus on the goal led to success.
Note: Undeviating emphasizes a continuous and unwavering path without deviation.

Direct expressions, common phrases

directly

This means to do something in a straightforward or immediate manner without involving intermediaries.
Example: She spoke directly to the manager about the issue.
Note: Derived from 'direct,' 'directly' emphasizes the immediacy or lack of intermediaries.

direct result

This refers to an outcome or consequence that is closely linked or caused by a specific action or event.
Example: The increase in sales was a direct result of the new marketing strategy.
Note: While 'direct' can mean straightforward, 'direct result' specifically emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship.

direct access

This indicates having the ability to reach or use something without any barriers or intermediaries.
Example: The CEO has direct access to the company's financial records.
Note: In contrast to 'direct,' 'direct access' highlights the lack of obstacles in reaching a particular resource.

direct route

This refers to the shortest or quickest way to get from one place to another.
Example: Taking the highway is the most direct route to the airport.
Note: While 'direct' can mean straightforward, 'direct route' specifically denotes the most efficient path.

directly responsible

This indicates being accountable or having a clear obligation for a particular task or outcome.
Example: As the team leader, you are directly responsible for the project's success.
Note: Unlike 'direct,' 'directly responsible' emphasizes the clear accountability for a specific responsibility.

direct hit

This refers to a precise or accurate strike on a target without missing.
Example: The missile scored a direct hit on the enemy target.
Note: In contrast to 'direct,' 'direct hit' highlights the accuracy or precision of hitting a target.

direct line

This indicates a specific phone number or communication channel that directly connects to an individual or department.
Example: You can reach me on my direct line if you have any urgent questions.
Note: While 'direct' can mean immediate, 'direct line' specifically refers to a dedicated communication channel.

Direct everyday (slang) expressions

straight up

This term means to be honest or frank about something.
Example: I'm gonna be straight up with you, the project isn't going well.
Note: It implies a more informal and candid communication compared to the word 'direct'.

lay it on me

This phrase is used to ask someone to tell or explain something directly to them.
Example: Just lay it on me, tell me what's on your mind.
Note: It suggests a casual and open invitation for direct communication.

hit me with it

This expression is a request for someone to give direct information or news.
Example: I can take it, just hit me with it.
Note: It conveys a sense of readiness to receive direct communication, often used in a casual context.

shoot straight

To 'shoot straight' means to communicate honestly and directly without sugarcoating.
Example: I appreciate it when people shoot straight with me.
Note: It emphasizes the straightforwardness and honesty in communication.

in plain English

This phrase requests someone to explain something in simple and clear terms without jargon or complexity.
Example: Can you explain that again in plain English? I didn't quite get it.
Note: It emphasizes the need for clear and straightforward language to convey a message.

let's cut to the chase

This expression means to get to the main point or important part of a conversation or situation without delay.
Example: Enough beating around the bush, let's cut to the chase and discuss the real issue.
Note: It suggests bypassing unnecessary details and getting directly to the core of a matter.

tell it like it is

To 'tell it like it is' means to speak the truth, even if it may be uncomfortable or blunt.
Example: I appreciate when people tell it like it is, even if it's hard to hear.
Note: It emphasizes straightforwardness and honesty in communication, without sugarcoating.

Direct - Examples

Direct flights are usually more expensive.
She gave me direct instructions on what to do.
The movie is based on a direct translation of the book.

Direct grammar

Direct - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: direct
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): direct
Adverb (Adverb): direct
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): directed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): directing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): directs
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): direct
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): direct
Syllabification and Stress
direct Contains 2 syllables: di • rect
Phonetic transcription: də-ˈrekt
di rect , ˈrekt (The red syllable is stressed)

Direct - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
direct: ~ 1700 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.