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directly

di-REKT-lee/dɪˈɹɛk(t)li/

7 meanings of directly

Practice

  1. 1
    not through othersadverb
    Without anyone or anything in between, straight from one person or thing to another.

    Like buying eggs from the farmer instead of from a store.

    You can buy tickets directly from the airline, not from another website.

    You can email the writer directly, without going through her office.

    UsageOften with to or from: buy directly from the maker.

    Oppositeindirectly

  2. 2
    exact positionadverb
    Exactly in a place or position, not off to one side.

    The lamp hangs directly above the kitchen table.

    Our house is directly across from the school.

    UsageOften before a place word: directly above, directly across from.

    Similarexactly, precisely, right, squarely

  3. 3
    straight lineadverb
    In a straight line, without turning or going another way.

    Like an arrow that flies straight to its target.

    The bird flew directly to its nest.

    The road goes directly from the village to the beach.

    Similarstraight

    Oppositecircuitously

  4. 4
    in plain wordsadverb
    In an open and honest way, saying clearly what you mean.

    She told him directly that the plan would not work.

    Please answer the question directly, with a yes or a no.

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    at onceadverbdated
    Right away, without stopping to do anything else first.

    Mom wants the dishes washed directly, not after the show.

    Send for the doctor directly, before the fever gets worse.

    UsageTo mean right away, say immediately or at once instead.

    Similarimmediately, instantly, promptly, straightaway, forthwith

    Oppositelater

    Note
  2. 6
    as soon asconjunctionBritish
    As soon as something happens. Used to join two parts of a sentence.

    Directly the rain stopped, the children ran outside to play.

    I will phone you directly I get home.

    UsageIt works like as soon as: directly I get home. Outside Britain, people say as soon as.

    Similaronce, when

    Note
  3. 7
    soonadverbdialectalCornwallMidlandsSouthern US
    Soon, after a little while, when there is time.

    Sit down and rest, and supper will be ready directly.

    He said he would come over directly, once the work was done.

    Similarsoon, presently, shortly

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from the word "direct" plus the ending "-ly".

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact