direct
9 ENTRIES FOUND:
directs;
directed;
directing
directs;
directed;
directing
Britannica Dictionary definition of DIRECT
1
[+ object]
:
to cause (someone or something) to turn, move, or point in a particular way
-
Lights were directed [=aimed] toward the paintings on the wall.
-
Be sure that the water nozzle is directed downward.
-
The sloping ground helps direct water away from the home.
2
[+ object]
a
:
to cause (someone's attention, thoughts, emotions, etc.) to relate to a particular person, thing, goal, etc.
-
Let me direct your attention to the book's second chapter.
-
We were asked to direct our thoughts and prayers to the people who survived the disaster.
-
The students directed their efforts/energies/talents toward improving their community.
-
He directed [=aimed] much of his anger at his coworkers.
-
A lot of the criticism has been directed toward the concert's organizers.
b
:
to say (something) to a particular person or group
-
I'd like to direct [=address] my opening comments to the younger members of the audience.
3
[+ object]
:
to guide, control, or manage (someone or something)
-
She's been chosen to direct [=handle] the project.
-
He is responsible for directing the activities of the sales team.
-
In my current position, I direct a staff of over 200 employees.
-
We need someone to direct traffic.
4
:
to lead a group of people in performing or filming (a movie, play, etc.)
[+ object]
-
They're still looking for someone to direct the show.
-
She has directed over 20 films in her career.
-
The play was poorly directed.
[no object]
-
She enjoys both acting and directing.
-
I think I'd like to direct some day.
5
[+ object]
:
to show or tell (someone) how to go to a place
:
to give (someone) directions
-
The signs directed [=guided] us to the museum.
-
Could you please direct me to the office? [=please tell me where the office is]
6
[+ object]
somewhat formal
a
:
to ask or tell (a person or group) to do something
-
He directed [=instructed, ordered] the workers to stop what they were doing.
-
The judge directed the jury to disregard several of the attorney's comments.
-
The resolution directed the commission to prepare proposals.
b
:
to order (something) to be done
— + that
-
His will directed that the money be used to support local schools.
7
[+ object]
:
to send (a letter, note, etc.) to a specified person or place
-
Please direct [=address, send] your letters to my office.
-
The letter was directed to the company's president.
2
direct
/dəˈrɛkt/
adjective
2
direct
/dəˈrɛkt/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of DIRECT
1
[more direct; most direct]
:
going the shortest distance from one place to another
:
going straight without turning or stopping
—
opposite indirect
-
I found a more direct route to the city.
-
We'll be taking a direct [=nonstop] flight from New York to Los Angeles.
-
That way is more direct.
2
always used before a noun,
[more direct; most direct]
:
coming straight from a source
—
opposite indirect
-
Keep these plants out of direct sunlight.
-
The coastline was exposed to the direct force of the hurricane.
3
always used before a noun,
[more direct; most direct]
:
coming straight from a cause or reason
:
connected or related to something in a clear way
—
opposite indirect
-
These problems are a direct result of poor planning. [=poor planning was the cause of these problems]
-
The weather had a direct effect/impact on our plans.
-
There's a direct connection between the two events.
-
The investigation began in direct response to the newspaper story.
4
always used before a noun,
[more direct; most direct]
:
having no people or things in between that could have an effect
—
opposite indirect
-
His position gives him direct access to the president. [=he can talk to the president face-to-face]
-
This is a direct order from the General.
-
The board of directors has direct control of the company's future.
-
Her theory was based on direct observation.
-
There's no direct evidence to support his claims.
-
direct knowledge/experience
5
always used before a noun
:
related in a line from your parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc.
-
She's my direct ancestor.
-
a direct descendant of Genghis Khan
6
always used before a noun
:
perfect or exact
-
The word has no direct translation in English.
-
The building took a direct hit from an enemy plane.
7
[more direct; most direct]
a
:
said or done in a clear and honest way
:
sincere and straightforward
-
We need a direct answer. Are you coming or not?
-
The candidate made a direct appeal to the voters.
b
:
speaking in a clear and honest way
—
opposite indirect
-
I wish you would be more direct.
-
She has a very direct way of dealing with customers.
8
always used before a noun,
grammar
:
consisting of the exact words of a speaker or writer
—
opposite indirect
-
She used several direct quotations from the artist in her article.
-
the directness of the route/connection
-
He answered their questions with honesty and directness.
3
direct
/dəˈrɛkt/
adverb
3
direct
/dəˈrɛkt/
adverb
Britannica Dictionary definition of DIRECT
:
in a direct way: such as
a
:
in a straight line without turning or stopping
-
We flew direct [=straight, nonstop] from Chicago to Paris.
b
:
straight from a source with nothing and nobody in between
-
The company sells its product direct [=directly] to customers on the streets.
-
It costs less if you buy it direct from the manufacturer.
