# directly

Pronunciation: say "di-REKT-lee" /dɪˈɹɛk(t)li/

## Adverb

1. In a straightforward way, without anything or anyone intervening; by direct rather than secondary means.
   - Simple: Without anyone or anything in between, straight from one person or thing to another.
   - _Customers can now order directly from the manufacturer, with no retailer in between._
   - _The new manager reports directly to the company's owner._
2. Exactly; precisely at a given point or position; at the shortest possible distance.
   - Simple: Exactly in a place or position, not off to one side.
   - _The new station was built directly opposite the old courthouse._
   - _The satellite passed directly over the city at noon._
3. In a direct manner; in a straight line or course, without deviation.
   - Simple: In a straight line, without turning or going another way.
   - _The trail runs directly from the parking lot to the summit, with no switchbacks._
   - _After the meeting, she drove directly home, making no stops along the way._
4. In a frank, plain way, saying something openly and honestly without hinting or evading.
   - Simple: In an open and honest way, saying clearly what you mean.
   - _The report states directly that the bridge is unsafe._
   - _When reporters pressed him, the mayor finally addressed the rumors directly._
7. Soon or in due course, including at the next opportunity or as soon as it is convenient. *(dialectal, Cornwall, Midlands, Southern US)*
   - Simple: Soon, after a little while, when there is time.
   - _Grandpa waved from the porch and called that he'd be along directly._
   - _Go on and start supper without me; I'll be along directly._

## Conjunction

6. As soon as; immediately after something happens. *(British)*
   - Simple: As soon as something happens. Used to join two parts of a sentence.
   - _Directly she heard the front door, she put the kettle on._
   - _He promised to write directly he had any news._

## Adverb

5. Immediately; at once; without delay. *(dated)*
   - Simple: Right away, without stopping to do anything else first.
   - _The captain ordered the men to lower the boats directly, for the ship was taking on water._
   - _She read the letter and answered it directly, not even waiting for breakfast._

## Origin

Formed from "direct" combined with the suffix "-ly".

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/directly (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).