direct
1 of 3verb
di·rect də-ˈrekt 
dī-
directed; directing; directs
transitive verb
1
: to cause to turn, move, or point undeviatingly or to follow a straight course
X-rays directed through the body
2
: to point, extend, or project in a specified line or course
direct the nozzle downward
3
a
: to regulate the activities or course of
directs a staff of over 200 employees
b
: to carry out the organizing, energizing, and supervising of
direct a project
directed a call center
c
: to train and lead performances of
direct a movie
directing a famous actor
d
: to dominate and determine the course of
… will not find it preposterous that the past should be altered by the present as much as the present is directed by the past.
T. S. Eliot
T. S. Eliot4
a
: to impart orally
directed the remark to her fellow senators
b
: to mark with the name and address of the intended recipient
c
: to adapt in expression so as to have particular applicability
arguments directed at the emotions
d
obsolete : to write (a letter) to a person
5
: to show or point out the way for
signs directing us to the entrance
6
: to request or enjoin (see enjoin sense 1) with authority
the judge directed the jury to acquit
intransitive verb
1
: to act as director of a show or musical ensemble
She both acted and directed in the film.
2
: to point out, prescribe, or determine a course or procedure
direct
2 of 3adjective
1
a
: proceeding from one point to another in time or space without deviation or interruption : straight
a direct line
b
: proceeding by the shortest way
the direct route
2
a
: stemming immediately from a source
direct result
b
: being or passing in a straight line of descent from parent to offspring : lineal
direct ancestor
c
: having no compromising or impairing element
a direct insult
3
: natural, straightforward
a direct manner
asked him to be more direct
was direct in her criticism
4
a
: marked by absence of an intervening agency, instrumentality, or influence
making direct observations of nature
b
: effected or brought about by the action of the people or the electorate and not by representatives
direct democracy
c
: consisting of or reproducing the exact words of a speaker or writer
a direct quotation
5
: characterized by close logical, causal, or consequential relationship
direct evidence
6
astronomy : having or being motion in the general planetary direction from west to east : not retrograde (see retrograde entry 1 sense 1a(1))
7
: capable of dyeing without the aid of a mordant
direct
3 of 3adverb
: in a direct (see direct entry 2) way: such as
a
: from point to point without deviation : by the shortest way
flew direct to Miami
b
: from the source without interruption or diversion (see diversion sense 1)
the writer must take his material direct from life Douglas Stewart
Douglas Stewart c
: without an intervening agency (see agency sense 3) or step
buy direct from the manufacturer
Synonyms
Verb
- canalize
- channel
- channelize
- conduct
- funnel
- pipe
- siphon
- syphon
Adjective
- firsthand
- immediate
- primary
- unmediated
Adverb
- dead
- directly
- due
- plumb
- plump
- right
- straight
- straightway
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb Be sure that the water nozzle is directed downward. The sloping ground helps direct water away from the home. Let me direct your attention to the book's second chapter. We were asked to direct our thoughts and prayers to the people who survived the disaster. The students directed their efforts toward improving their community. A lot of the criticism has been directed toward the concert's organizers. He is responsible for directing the activities of the sales team. In my current position, I direct a staff of over 200 employees. We need someone to direct traffic. Adjective I found a more direct route to the city. That way is more direct. Keep these plants out of direct sunlight. The coastline was exposed to the direct force of the hurricane. The weather had a direct effect on our plans. There's a direct connection between the two events. The investigation began in direct response to the newspaper story. Adverb It costs less if you buy it direct from the manufacturer. flew direct to the coast See More
Recent Examples on the Web Paul Grein, Billboard, 11 Sep. 2022 Soderbergh is set to direct all six episodes of the series. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 Nearly five years ago, Lucasfilm announced that Rian Johnson had signed on to write and direct a brand new trilogy. Jacob Siegal, BGR, 1 Sep. 2022 Matt Tolmach and David Manpearl of Matt Tolmach Productions executive produce, with Jakob Verbruggen set to direct the first three episodes. Joe Otterson, Variety, 29 Aug. 2022 Back in 2020, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were set to direct the fourth installment of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 29 Aug. 2022 Tim Burton is set to direct, finally helming a series that naturally aligns with his macabre aesthetic. Amel Mukhtar, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2022 The Pirates of the Caribbean star is set to direct a movie called Modigliani, which revolves around Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Brendan Morrow, The Week, 15 Aug. 2022 It was previously revealed nearly two years ago that the Material Girl herself would co-write (with Diablo Cody) and direct the still-untitled movie. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2022 Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2022 One way Meta has cemented its ties to developers is through direct grants to start-up virtual reality companies. Naomi Nix, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2022 The conversation between manager A.J. Hinch and third baseman Jeimer Candelario was direct. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 14 Sep. 2022 The state regards the industry as a boon, bringing 12,000 direct full-time equivalent jobs, with both Baltimore-area and Ocean City-area port facilities seeing the windfall. From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2022 Expanding will allow the center to hire an additional 50 to 60 people, most of whom will be in direct service. Shari Rudavsky, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Sep. 2022 In London, train stations, statues and buildings are named after officers of the British Raj, the name for direct crown rule in India, Rajina said. Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 13 Sep. 2022 Those direct deals, which make up approximately 3% of BMI’s overall distribution, totaled $49 million, or $36 million less than the previous year. Thania Garcia, Variety, 13 Sep. 2022 Taking every play on a direct snap, Goodwin ran 42 times for 286 yards and 2 touchdowns while passing for another 41 yard score in a 30-21 win. Jonathan X. Simmons, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2022 Carole Radziwill, Town & Country, 4 Aug. 2022 Or fly direct from Atlanta to Mobile Regional Airport in Mobile, Alabama, pick up a rental car and drive 57 miles west on I-10. Jennifer Kornegay, ajc, 15 Aug. 2022 Right now, the one that most stands out to me is that Mercury is going direct (yes, Mercury is not always retrograde) in its home sign of Virgo, thereby making a nice trine (120° angle) to the Mars, Uranus, and North Node cluster. Emily Newhouse, Allure, 11 Aug. 2022 Without the retailer as the middleman, manufacturers can capture a significantly greater share of the profit by selling direct. David Clucas, Outside Online, 29 Mar. 2013 More From Logistics Report Food and beverage companies have also jumped on the direct-selling bandwagon. Akiko Matsuda, WSJ, 6 Aug. 2022 That's a saving from booking those nights direct with the resort, which totaled $514.84. Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 28 July 2022 Then Jupiter enters its yearly retrograde period, reevaluating our beliefs and our confidence before turning direct again on November 23rd. Chicago Tribune, 27 July 2022 When Slaiby left, in 1996, the war was over and Lebanon was in fact dealing with the turmoil that followed; Slaiby traveled to Canada on a visa; and, while arduous, the Cyprus-Germany-Canada route also seems like a cheaper option than flying direct. Myung J. Chun, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2022 See More
Verb
Hamish Hamilton, who directed the Super Bowl Halftime Show, which won three awards at the Creative Arts Emmys (though none for Hamilton), is set to direct the 74th Emmy Awards. Paul Grein, Billboard, 11 Sep. 2022 Soderbergh is set to direct all six episodes of the series. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 Nearly five years ago, Lucasfilm announced that Rian Johnson had signed on to write and direct a brand new trilogy. Jacob Siegal, BGR, 1 Sep. 2022 Matt Tolmach and David Manpearl of Matt Tolmach Productions executive produce, with Jakob Verbruggen set to direct the first three episodes. Joe Otterson, Variety, 29 Aug. 2022 Back in 2020, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were set to direct the fourth installment of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 29 Aug. 2022 Tim Burton is set to direct, finally helming a series that naturally aligns with his macabre aesthetic. Amel Mukhtar, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2022 The Pirates of the Caribbean star is set to direct a movie called Modigliani, which revolves around Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Brendan Morrow, The Week, 15 Aug. 2022 It was previously revealed nearly two years ago that the Material Girl herself would co-write (with Diablo Cody) and direct the still-untitled movie. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2022 Adjective
Canva’s new services represent a direct challenge to Google Docs, Microsoft Office, and Adobe, whose digital tools are mainstays of the modern workplace. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2022 One way Meta has cemented its ties to developers is through direct grants to start-up virtual reality companies. Naomi Nix, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2022 The conversation between manager A.J. Hinch and third baseman Jeimer Candelario was direct. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 14 Sep. 2022 The state regards the industry as a boon, bringing 12,000 direct full-time equivalent jobs, with both Baltimore-area and Ocean City-area port facilities seeing the windfall. From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2022 Expanding will allow the center to hire an additional 50 to 60 people, most of whom will be in direct service. Shari Rudavsky, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Sep. 2022 In London, train stations, statues and buildings are named after officers of the British Raj, the name for direct crown rule in India, Rajina said. Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 13 Sep. 2022 Those direct deals, which make up approximately 3% of BMI’s overall distribution, totaled $49 million, or $36 million less than the previous year. Thania Garcia, Variety, 13 Sep. 2022 Taking every play on a direct snap, Goodwin ran 42 times for 286 yards and 2 touchdowns while passing for another 41 yard score in a 30-21 win. Jonathan X. Simmons, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2022 Adverb
Gracie wallpaper, fresh morning eggs direct from the chicken coop, and its stable of mini ponies. Carole Radziwill, Town & Country, 4 Aug. 2022 Or fly direct from Atlanta to Mobile Regional Airport in Mobile, Alabama, pick up a rental car and drive 57 miles west on I-10. Jennifer Kornegay, ajc, 15 Aug. 2022 Right now, the one that most stands out to me is that Mercury is going direct (yes, Mercury is not always retrograde) in its home sign of Virgo, thereby making a nice trine (120° angle) to the Mars, Uranus, and North Node cluster. Emily Newhouse, Allure, 11 Aug. 2022 Without the retailer as the middleman, manufacturers can capture a significantly greater share of the profit by selling direct. David Clucas, Outside Online, 29 Mar. 2013 More From Logistics Report Food and beverage companies have also jumped on the direct-selling bandwagon. Akiko Matsuda, WSJ, 6 Aug. 2022 That's a saving from booking those nights direct with the resort, which totaled $514.84. Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 28 July 2022 Then Jupiter enters its yearly retrograde period, reevaluating our beliefs and our confidence before turning direct again on November 23rd. Chicago Tribune, 27 July 2022 When Slaiby left, in 1996, the war was over and Lebanon was in fact dealing with the turmoil that followed; Slaiby traveled to Canada on a visa; and, while arduous, the Cyprus-Germany-Canada route also seems like a cheaper option than flying direct. Myung J. Chun, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb and Adverb
Middle English, from Anglo-French directer, from Latin directus straight, from past participle of dirigere to direct — more at dress
Adjective
Middle English, from Latin directus — see direct entry 1
First Known Use
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4d
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6
Adverb
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing direct
Kids Definition
direct 1 of 3
verb
di·rect də-ˈrekt
dī-
directed; directing
1
: to cause to point or move in a particular direction
Direct your light over here.
2
: to cause to focus on
direct your attention
3
: to show or tell the way
Signs directed us to the exit.
4
: to put an address on
direct a letter
5
: order entry 1 sense 2, command
Bake as directed.
6
: to manage or control the making or activities of
direct a play
She directs a large company.
direct
2 of 3adjective
1
: going from one point to another without turning or stopping : straight
a direct route
2
: coming straight from a cause or source
… the skunk … sprayed Brian with a direct shot … Gary Paulsen, Hatchet
Gary Paulsen, Hatchet3
: said or done in a clear and honest way
a direct answer
4
: being in an unbroken family line
a direct ancestor
5
: exact entry 1
a direct translation
a direct hit
direct
3 of 3adverb
: directly sense 1
I flew direct to Paris.
Legal Definition
direct 1 of 3
transitive verb
di·rect
1
: to order with authority
the testator directed that the car go to his niece
2
: to order entry of (a verdict) without jury consideration
the court directed a verdict in favor of the defendant
3
: to act as director of
intransitive verb
: to act as director
direct
2 of 3adjective
1
a
: stemming immediately from a source
direct costs
a direct claim
compare derivative b
: being or passing in a straight line from parent to offspring : lineal
a direct ancestor
compare collateral 2
: marked by absence of any intervening agency, instrumentality, or influence
direct consequences
3
: effected by the action of the people or the electorate and not by representatives
direct democracy
4
: characterized by close logical, causal, or consequential relationship
a direct interest in the outcome of the litigation
direct
3 of 3noun
: direct examination
testimony given on direct
direct 1 of 3
verb
1
as in to channel
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway the aqueduct directs the water into an artificial lake Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- channel
- funnel
- conduct
- focus
- carry
- siphon
- canalize
- channelize
- convey
- transmit
- pipe
- consolidate
- syphon
- concentrate
2
as in to order
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority our tour guide directed us to wait in front of the building until she could rejoin us Synonyms & Similar Words
- order
- instruct
- tell
- ask
- command
- charge
- enjoin
- advise
- request
- bid
- beg
- require
- force
- compel
- authorize
- commission
- control
- adjure
- appoint
- lead
- petition
- warn
- boss (around)
- supervise
- conduct
- assign
- coerce
- counsel
- oversee
- beseech
- entreat
- manage
- constrain
- superintend
- oblige
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- follow
- mind
- observe
- keep
- obey
- comply (with)
3
as in to request
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the caretaker directed that all of the windows be closed before we left Synonyms & Similar Words
- order
- request
- ask
- require
- mandate
- dictate
- call for
- demand
- command
- call
- decree
- petition
- ordain
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- cancel
- countermand
- rescind
4
as in to control
to look after and make decisions about the music teacher directs both the student orchestra and the marching band Synonyms & Similar Words
- control
- supervise
- oversee
- operate
- manage
- conduct
- handle
- regulate
- run
- guide
- govern
- administer
- steer
- tend
- lead
- watch over
- keep
- steward
- superintend
- protect
- administrate
- overlook
- carry on
- watch
- safeguard
- mind
- preside (over)
- pilot
- guard
- stage-manage
- codirect
- comanage
- care (for)
- micromanage
5
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal we quickly directed our attention toward the noise coming from the rear Synonyms & Similar Words
- aim
- cast
- focus
- level
- head
- steer
- train
- set
- hold
- pinpoint
- bend
- sight
- face
- concentrate
- orient
- bear
- incline
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- deflect
- divert
- avert
- curve
- shunt
- detour
- sidetrack
- rechannel
6
as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front the guide directed the tour through the museum with commendable efficiency and expertise Synonyms & Similar Words
- steer
- guide
- lead
- conduct
- route
- accompany
- show
- usher
- marshal
- precede
- pilot
- escort
- marshall
- control
- manage
- see
- attend
- chaperone
- convoy
- chaperon
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- follow
- trail
- tail
- shadow
- dog
- hound
- tailgate
direct
2 of 3adjective
1
as in primary
done or working without something else coming in between a zoologist whose works are based entirely on her direct observation of animals in the wild the virus was the direct cause of the disease Synonyms & Similar Words
- primary
- immediate
- unmediated
- firsthand
- efficient
- clinical
- empiric
- empirical
- proximate
- hands-on
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indirect
- secondhand
2
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions our coach is very direct, never hesitating for a moment to tell a player whenever he isn't performing up to snuff Synonyms & Similar Words
- outspoken
- honest
- candid
- frank
- straightforward
- forthcoming
- straight
- vocal
- forthright
- open
- blunt
- plain
- plainspoken
- unreserved
- unguarded
- real
- up-front
- out-front
- unaffected
- sincere
- openhearted
- earnest
- outgoing
- free-spoken
- freehearted
- uninhibited
- guileless
- naive
- foursquare
- natural
- artless
- curt
- ingenuous
- vociferous
- unrestrained
- unpretentious
- abrupt
- brusque
- undesigning
- unpretending
- rude
- innocent
- unsubtle
- gruff
- bluff
- sharp
- thoughtless
- brusk
- tactless
- impertinent
- impolite
- naïve
- crusty
- inconsiderate
- ungracious
- undiplomatic
- uncivil
- unmannerly
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- restrained
- inhibited
- uncandid
- quiet
- laconic
- ambiguous
- circuitous
- reticent
- evasive
- reserved
- tactful
- diplomatic
- unforthcoming
- taciturn
- dissembling
- equivocal
- polite
- courteous
- civil
- uncommunicative
- considerate
- politic
- tight-lipped
- close-mouthed
3
as in straightforward
going straight to the point clearly and firmly clear and direct instructions that left no room for misinterpretation Synonyms & Similar Words
- straightforward
- straight
- blunt
- honest
- forthright
- plain
- candid
- frank
- sincere
- true
- earnest
- open
- sharp
- outspoken
- plainspoken
- curt
- unreserved
- unguarded
- uninhibited
- foursquare
- abrupt
- brusque
- truthful
- artless
- unrestrained
- openhearted
- bluff
- aboveboard
- gruff
- free-spoken
- tactless
- brusk
- impolite
- rude
- inconsiderate
- point-blank
- veracious
- undiplomatic
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indirect
- circuitous
- roundabout
- civil
- restrained
- inhibited
- wordy
- verbose
- prolix
- polite
- courteous
- tactful
- reserved
- erroneous
- circumlocutory
- lying
- false
- ambiguous
- deceitful
- untruthful
- misleading
- mendacious
- long-winded
- evasive
- fallacious
- equivocal
- hypocritical
- two-faced
- double-dealing
4
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course this road provides the most direct route to your destination Synonyms & Similar Words
- linear
- straightforward
- straight
- right
- straightaway
- unswerving
- undeviating
- unbent
- untwisted
- uncurled
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- rounded
- twisting
- turning
- curved
- twisted
- winding
- bowed
- spiral
- turned
- bending
- warped
- spiraling
- curving
- looping
- looped
- coiled
- wavy
- coiling
- curled
- entwined
- kinked
- swirled
- spiralling
- serpentine
- sinuous
- curling
- veering
- weaving
- twining
- devious
- corkscrew
- crooked
- meandering
- zigzag
- twined
- zigzagging
direct
3 of 3adverb
as in straight
in a direct line or course flew direct to the coast Synonyms & Similar Words
- straight
- right
- directly
- due
- dead
- plump
- straightway
- plumb
- as the crow flies
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indirectly
- circuitously
- deviously
- veeringly
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of direct are bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, and order. While all these words mean "to issue orders," direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.
directed her assistant to hold all calls
the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark
The synonyms bid and direct are sometimes interchangeable, but bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).
she bade him be seated
Charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.
charged by the President with a secret mission
Both command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command stresses official exercise of authority.
a general commanding troops
While the synonyms enjoin and direct are close in meaning, enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.
a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet
While in some cases nearly identical to direct, order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise.
ordered his employees about like slaves