direct

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin dīrectus, perfect passive participle of dīrigō (“straighten, direct”), from dis- (“asunder, in pieces, apart, in two”) + regō (“make straight, rule”). Compare dress. Doublet of derecho.

adj

1. Proceeding without deviation or interruption.
2. Straight; not crooked, oblique, or circuitous; leading by the short or shortest way to a point or end.
   the most direct route between two buildings
3. Straightforward; sincere.
4. Immediate; express; plain; unambiguous.
5. In the line of descent; not collateral.
   a descendant in the direct line
6. (astronomy) In the direction of the general planetary motion, or from west to east; in the order of the signs; not retrograde; said of the motion of a celestial body.
7. (political science) Pertaining to, or effected immediately by, action of the people through their votes instead of through one or more representatives or delegates.
   direct nomination; direct legislation
8. (aviation, travel) Having a single flight number.

adv

1. Directly.
   The walls, which are fixed direct into the ground without a plinth, are made of wattle and plastered with a thin lair of mud or cowdung. 1912, Central Provinces (India), Central Provinces District Gazetteers, page 96
   Presumably Mary is to carry messages that she, Anne, is too delicate to convey direct. 2009, Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall, Fourth Estate, published 2010, page 346

verb

1. To manage, control, steer.
   to direct the affairs of a nation or the movements of an army
2. To aim (something) at (something else).
   They directed their fire towards the men on the wall.
   He directed his question to the room in general.
3. To point out to or show (somebody) the right course or way; to guide, as by pointing out the way.
   He directed me to the left-hand road.
   the next points to which I will direct your attention 1882, John Lubbock, Flowers, Fruits and Leaves
4. To point out to with authority; to instruct as a superior; to order.
   She directed them to leave immediately.
5. (dated) To address (a letter) to a particular person or place.
   [A]s I do not know where I shall be, and shall have my letters sent after me as soon as I do know, continue to direct hither. 1792, Charlotte Smith, Desmond, Broadview, published 2001, page 310