direct

direct [də rekt′; ] also [ dīrekt′]

adj.

[ME < L directus, pp. of dirigere, to lay straight, direct < di-, apart, from + regere, to keep straight, rule: see REGAL]

1. by the shortest way, without turning or stopping; not roundabout; not interrupted; straight [a direct route]

2. honest and to the point; straightforward; frank [a direct answer]

3. with nothing or no one between; immediate; close, firsthand, or personal [direct contact, direct knowledge]

4. in an unbroken line of descent; lineal

5. exact; complete; absolute [the direct opposite]

6. in the exact words of the speaker [a direct quotation]

7. not needing a mordant: said of certain dyes

8. by or of action of the people through popular vote instead of through representatives or delegates

9. Astron. from west to east: opposed to RETROGRADE

10. Math. designating or of a relation between variables in which one increases or decreases with the other [a direct proportion]: opposed to INVERSE

vt.

1. to manage the affairs, course, or action of; guide; conduct; regulate

2. to order or command with authority

3. to turn or point (a person or thing) toward an object or goal; aim; head

4. to tell (a person) the way to a place

5. to address (words, remarks, etc.) to a specific person or persons, or in a specific direction

6. to write the name and address on (a letter, etc.)

7.

a) to plan the action and effects of (a play, film, etc.) and to supervise and instruct (the actors and technicians) in the carrying out of such a plan

b) to rehearse and conduct the performance of (a choir, band, etc.)

vi.

1. to give directions; make a practice of directing

2. to be a director, as of a group of performers

adv.

in a direct manner; directly

SYN.- COMMAND, CONDUCT

directness

n.