directly

Definitions

1. adverb

   In a straight line.

   Examples

   • He drove directly to the office.
   • The light shone directly into the room.
   ≈straightwise≈undeviatingly
2. adverb

   Without anyone or anything in between.

   Examples

   • He dealt with the issue directly.
   • She spoke to the manager directly, not by email.
3. adverb

   Plainly and clearly.

   Examples

   • I am going to tell Natalie directly that I love her.
   • To put it more directly, he was fired.
   ≈bluntly
4. adverb

   Exactly or at the shortest distance.

   Examples

   • The store is directly across the street.
   • He stood directly in front of her.
   ≈accurately
5. adverb

   In an honest and open way.

   Examples

   • She answered his question directly.
   • He admitted his mistake directly.
   ≈frankly≈truthfully
6. adverb

   Right away.

   Examples

   • I will be with you directly.
   • Please come directly after school.
   ≈forthwith
7. adverb

   Soon.

   Examples

   • I will get to that directly.
   • She said she would call directly, once she was free.
   ≈betimes
8. conjunction

   As soon as, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • He said he would call directly he got back.
   • She wrote directly she heard the news.