direct

/d(a)ɪˈɹɛkt/

verb

  1. 1

    To manage, control, steer.

    to direct the affairs of a nation or the movements of an army
  2. 2

    To aim (something) at (something else).

    He directed his question to the room in general.
  3. 3

    To point out or show to (somebody) the right course or way; to guide, as by pointing out the way.

    He directed me to the left-hand road.
  4. 4

    To point out to with authority; to instruct as a superior; to order.

    She directed them to leave immediately.
  5. 5

    To put a direction or address upon; to mark with the name and residence of the person to whom anything is sent.

    to direct a letter

adjective

  1. 1

    Proceeding without deviation or interruption.

  2. 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. 3

    Straightforward; sincere.

  4. 4

    Immediate; express; plain; unambiguous.

  5. 5

    In the line of descent; not collateral.

    a descendant in the direct line
  6. 6

    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. 7

    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. 8

    (travel) having a single flight number.

Antonyms

adverb

  1. 1

    Directly.

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