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direct

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adjective British English pronunciation: direct /dɪˈrekt/ British English pronunciation: direct /daɪˈrekt/
 
  1. 1
    going straight to a place and not stopping or changing direction on the way there

    direct flights from Scotland to North America

    There is a more direct route straight up the motorway.

    The building had taken a direct hit and was completely destroyed.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  directThesaurus entry for this meaning of direct
  2. 2
    [usually before noun] involving only the two people or things mentioned and with no one or nothing else coming in between

    Only a few of us have direct access to the files.

    Employees have little direct contact with management.

    Their study found a direct link between poverty and crime.

    Companies have closed as a direct result of the new law.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  directThesaurus entry for this meaning of direct
  3. 3
    exact

    That’s a direct quote from the man himself.

    Martin’s brother is his direct opposite in character.

    The rewards will be in direct proportion to the work you put in.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  directThesaurus entry for this meaning of direct
  4. 4
    [usually before noun] direct heat or light comes straight at a person or object and is not reflected or reduced in strength

    Plant in a shady position away from direct sunlight.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  directThesaurus entry for this meaning of direct
  5. 5
    saying what you really think in a very clear and honest way

    I love New Yorkers – they’re sharp, funny, and direct.

    She’s refused to answer direct questions about her plans for the company.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  directThesaurus entry for this meaning of direct
  6. 6
    [only before noun] related through your parents, grandparents etc and not through other relatives such as uncles or aunts

    Steve says he’s a direct descendant of William Shakespeare.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  directThesaurus entry for this meaning of direct

This is the British English definition of direct. View American English definition of direct.

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