- direct
- [[t]daɪre̱kt, dɪ-[/t]]
♦directs, directing, directed1) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n Direct means moving towards a place or object, without changing direction and without stopping, for example in a journey.
They'd come on a direct flight from Athens.
...the direct route from Amman to Bombay.
Ant:Derived words:ADV: ADV after vDirect is also an adverb.You can fly direct to Amsterdam from most British airports.
2) ADJ: ADJ n If something is in direct heat or light, it is strongly affected by the heat or light, because there is nothing between it and the source of heat or light to protect it.All medicines should be stored away from moisture, direct sunlight and heat...
Direct illumination is harsh and unflattering.
3) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n You use direct to describe an experience, activity, or system which only involves the people, actions, or things that are necessary to make it happen.He has direct experience of the process of privatisation...
He seemed to be in direct contact with the Boss...
He is expected to extend direct rule by the central government for another six months.
Derived words:directly ADV-GRADED ADV with vWe cannot measure pain directly. It can only be estimated...
The British could do nothing directly to help the Austrians.
ADV: ADV after vDirect is also an adverb.I can deal direct with your Inspector Kimble... Write to us direct with details of your clubs.
4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n (emphasis) You use direct to emphasize the closeness of a connection between two things.They were unable to prove that the unfortunate lady had died as a direct result of his injection...
His visit is direct evidence of the improvement in their relationship...
The minister denied there was a direct connection between the two issues.
Ant:5) ADJ-GRADED If you describe a person or their behaviour as direct, you mean that they are honest and open, and say exactly what they mean.He avoided giving a direct answer...
The new songs are more direct...
No direct reference was made to the call by the Foreign Office minister.
Ant:Derived words:directly ADV-GRADED ADV after vAt your first meeting, explain simply and directly what you hope to achieve...
But he then went on to refer very directly to the argument.
directness N-UNCOUNTUsing `I' ensures clarity and directness, and it adds warmth to a piece of writing...
`I like Rupert enormously,' she said, with a directness which made Pat flush.
6) VERB If you direct something at a particular thing, you aim or point it at that thing.[V n at/towards/on n] I reached the cockpit and directed the extinguisher at the fire without effect...
[V n at/towards/on n] He directed the tiny beam of light at the roof.
Syn:7) VERB If your attention, emotions, or actions are directed at a particular person or thing, you are focusing them on that person or thing.[be V-ed to/towards n/-ing] The learner's attention needs to be directed to the significant features...
[V n at n] Do not be surprised if, initially, she directs her anger at you...
[be V-ed against n] One assassination attempt was directed against the country's top three government leaders. [Also V n to n/-ing]
Syn:8) VERB If a remark or look is directed at you, someone says something to you or looks at you.[be V-ed towards n] She could hardly believe the question was directed towards her...
[be V-ed at n] The abuse was directed at the TV crews...
[V n at n] Arnold directed a meaningful look at Irma.
9) VERB If you direct someone somewhere, you tell them how to get there.[V n to n] Could you direct them to Dr Lamont's office, please?...
[V n to n] Inside, a guard directed them to the right. [Also V n adv/prep]
10) VERB When someone directs a project or a group of people, they are responsible for organizing the people and activities that are involved.[V n] Christopher will direct day-to-day operations.
[V n] ...his coolness in directing the rescue of nine hostages.
Syn:Derived words:direction [[t]daɪre̱kʃ(ə)n, dɪr-[/t]] N-UNCOUNTOrganizations need clear direction, set priorities and performance standards, and clear controls...
The house was built under the direction of John's partner.
11) VERB When someone directs a film, play, or television programme, they are responsible for the way in which it is performed and for telling the actors and assistants what to do.[V n] He directed various TV shows...
[V n] The film was directed by Howard Hawks.
...Miss Birkin's long-held ambition to direct as well as act.
12) VERB If you are directed to do something, someone in authority tells you to do it. [FORMAL][be V-ed to-inf] They have been directed to give special attention to the problem of poverty...
[V n to-inf] The Bishop directed the faithful to stay at home.
13) ADJ: ADJ n If you are a direct descendant of someone, you are related to them through your parents and your grandparents and so on.She is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria.
14) → See also , directly
English dictionary. 2008.
