directly
Americanadverb
-
in a direct line, way, or manner; straight.
The path leads directly to the lake.
-
at once; without delay; immediately.
Do that directly.
-
They will be here directly.
-
exactly; precisely.
directly opposite the store.
-
without intervening space; next in order.
The truck was parked directly behind my car.
-
openly or frankly; candidly.
He didn't hesitate to speak directly about his debts.
- Synonyms:
- freely
-
Mathematics. in direct proportion.
conjunction
adverb
-
in a direct manner
-
at once; without delay
-
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.
An SNP spokesperson did not directly address Fraioli's claims but said the party had carried out a "comprehensive review of complaints procedures since 2016".
From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026
“Tom has put in place an investment policy to ensure that he does not directly invest in fossil fuels, payday lending, or private prisons,” spokesman Anthony York said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026
"Researchers used to think that lactate produced from tanycytes 'spoke' directly to neurons involved in appetite control," Araneda explained.
From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026
"We've developed a process in which CANECPI-5 binds directly to tooth enamel, helping to make teeth more resistant to the action of acids produced by bacteria," Silva points out.
From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026
Unlike the chairs at the Academy, which were always in a room all by themselves, these chairs were set up in pairs with one joint recap screen directly in front of the set.
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
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.
