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.
Leo has repeatedly called for peace in the Middle East and this week directly urged US President Donald Trump to find an "off-ramp".
From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026
The airport is advising passengers due to fly later on Saturday evening or on Sunday morning to contact their airline directly for updates.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
They believe that God speaks directly to and through the NAR’s anointed apostles and prophets about current and sometimes future events.
From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026
In that case, the daughter could disclaim all or part of the IRA and have it go directly to her children.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Except for a car parked at the street curb directly in front, everything looked deceptively normal.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
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.
