direct

Formsdirects, directing, directed

1. 1
   straight pathadjective

   Going straight from one point to another without turning aside or a break along the way.

   Like a straight line drawn from your house to school, with no turns.

   We took the direct road instead of winding through the hills.

   Is there a direct path to the lake from here?

   UsageSay the most direct way.

   Similarstraight

   Oppositeindirect, roundabout, circuitous, winding

   Note
2. 2
   be in chargeverbtransitive

   To manage or control something, or to be in charge of making a film, play, or show.

   Like a captain steering a ship to keep it on course.

   He wants to direct movies one day.

   She directs the school play every spring.

   Similarmanage, run, oversee, supervise, control

3. 3
   without detouradverb

   Straight from one place to another, without stopping or going through anything else.

   Like throwing a ball straight to someone instead of passing it around.

   You can fly direct from here to Rome.

   Send the package direct to my house.

   UsageCommon phrases are fly direct, go direct, and send direct.

   Similarstraight, nonstop

   Oppositeindirectly

   Note
4. 4
   aim atverbtransitive

   To point or aim something toward a particular target or place.

   Like pointing a flashlight straight at the thing you want to see.

   Please direct the light at the wall, not in my eyes.

   She directed the hose at the flames.

   UsageDirect a light at something.

   Similaraim, point, train, focus

5. 5
   give ordersverbtransitive

   To give someone an order, telling them what they must do.

   Like a coach telling players exactly where to stand.

   The judge will direct the jury to ignore that remark.

   Our boss directed us to finish the report by Friday.

   UsageDirect someone to do something.

   Similarorder, instruct, command, tell, require

   Note
6. 6
   guideverbtransitive

   To show someone which way to go or where to find something.

   Like a signpost showing travelers which road to take.

   Can you direct me to the nearest train station?

   A guard stood at the gate to direct visitors to the office.

   UsageDirect someone to a place: she directed me to the bus stop.

   Similarguide, show, point, steer, refer

   Oppositemisdirect, mislead

   Note
7. 7
   not vagueadjective

   Saying what you mean clearly and openly, without hiding it or avoiding the point.

   Like a yes that means yes, with no maybe in between.

   The sign had a direct message: Do not feed the bears.

   Her instructions were direct, so everyone knew exactly what to do.

   Similarfrank, straightforward, candid, blunt, forthright

   Oppositeevasive, indirect, vague, ambiguous

   Note
8. 8
   flight (may stop)adjective

   Using one flight number, even if the plane stops along the way.

   Like keeping the same bus number even when the bus pauses at a stop.

   We booked a direct flight, but it still stops once to refuel.

   A direct flight keeps the same number from start to finish.

   UsageA direct flight can stop on the way. A nonstop flight does not.

   Similarthrough

   Note
9. 9
   nothing betweenadjective

   Happening or done with no other person, step, or thing in between.

   Keep the baby out of direct sunlight on hot days.

   The nurse had direct contact with the sick children.

   Similarimmediate

   Oppositeindirect

   Note

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