directly

[dih-rekt-lee, dahy-]

adverb

1. in a direct line, way, or manner; straight.

   The path leads directly to the lake.

2. at once; without delay; immediately.

   Do that directly.

3. shortly; soon.

   They will be here directly.

4. exactly; precisely.

   directly opposite the store.

5. without intervening space; next in order.

   The truck was parked directly behind my car.

6. openly or frankly; candidly.

   He didn't hesitate to speak directly about his debts.

   Synonyms: freely

7. Mathematics.,  in direct proportion.

conjunction

1. as soon as.

   Directly he arrived, he mentioned the subject.

directly

/ dɪˈrɛktlɪ, daɪ- /

adverb

1. in a direct manner

2. at once; without delay

3. immediately; just

conjunction

1. (subordinating) as soon as

   we left directly the money arrived

Word History and Origins

Origin of directly¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, directly is from the Middle English word directli. See direct, -ly

Synonym Study

See immediately.

Example Sentences

Other venues received financial assistance in upgrading facilities and technical equipment that directly benefitted artists and audiences.

Read more on BBC

They will need to prove their claim - and in many cases they did not transfer money to Qian's company directly, but to accounts of local promoters who then passed the cash up the chain.

Read more on BBC

The filmmakers’ presence gives Jackie an excuse to spend an ample portion of time directly addressing the audience, never the most theatrically compelling device, even as practiced by an actor as endearing as Ms. Chenoweth.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Headline inflation readings, he said, are being lifted by components that are estimated rather than directly observed, like shelter.

Read more on Barron's

The eight members who voted to reopen the government — 15% of the Senate Democratic caucus — voted directly against Schumer, who voted against the measure.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• immediately 
• instantaneously www.thesaurus.com
• instantly 
• promptly 
• quickly 
• shortly