directly
Americanadverb
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in a direct line, way, or manner; straight.
The path leads directly to the lake.
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at once; without delay; immediately.
Do that directly.
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They will be here directly.
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exactly; precisely.
directly opposite the store.
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without intervening space; next in order.
The truck was parked directly behind my car.
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openly or frankly; candidly.
He didn't hesitate to speak directly about his debts.
- Synonyms:
- freely
-
Mathematics. in direct proportion.
conjunction
adverb
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in a direct manner
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at once; without delay
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immediately; just
conjunction
Related Words
See immediately.
Etymology
Origin of directly
First recorded in 1350–1400, directly is from the Middle English word directli. See direct, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The UK will still not be directly involved in the strikes and Downing Street said "the principles behind the UK's approach to the conflict remain the same".
From BBC
The 18th-century French noble was the guy who got evolution wrong, believing that characteristics acquired during an organism’s life could be passed down directly to its descendants.
She took over in October after CBS parent Paramount bought her news and opinion site the Free Press, and she reports directly to Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison.
This process not only kills tumor cells directly but also activates the immune system.
From Science Daily
Also barren for many years, she eventually receives a message directly from God that she will have twin sons and that her youngest son will one day rule.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
