direct Definition

direct
adj

1. Straight; following the quickest and shortest path from beginning to end or to a destination.

Thesaurus: straight, uninterrupted, unswerving, straightaway, non-stop; Antonym: crooked, devious.
2. Said of a person's manner, etc: open, straightforward and honest; going straight to the point.
3. With no other factors involved.

Example: the direct cause of the accident
Thesaurus: immediate, succeeding, plain, certain, sure, quick, unavoidable.
4. Not working or communicating through other people, organizations, etc.

Example: a direct link with the chairman
5. Exact; complete.

Example: a direct opposite
6. Forming or being part of an unbroken line of descent from parent to child to grandchild, etc.

Example: a direct descendant of Sir Walter Raleigh

verb directed, directing

1. To point, aim or turn something in a particular direction.

Thesaurus: aim, sight, train, level, fix, focus.
2. To show the way to someone.
tr & intr
3. To give orders or instructions.

Thesaurus: rule, command, order, teach, advise, inform, instruct.
Form: direct someone to do something (usually)
Form: direct something to be done
Form: direct that something be done
4. To control or manage something; to be in charge of something.

Thesaurus: govern, command, control, supervise.
tr & intr
5. To plan and supervise the production of (a play or film).
6. formal
To put a name and address on (a letter, etc).

adverb

1. Directly; by the quickest or shortest path.

Etymology: 14c, originally meaning ‘to send a letter to someone': from Latin directus, from dirigere to direct or guide.