DIRECT


Meaning of DIRECT in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ daɪrekt, dɪ- ]

( directs, directing, directed)

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.

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.

≠ indirect

ADJ : usu ADJ n

Direct is also an adverb.

You can fly direct to Amsterdam from most British airports.

ADV : ADV after v

• di‧rect‧ly

The jumbo jet is due to fly the hostages directly back to London.

ADV : ADV after v

2.

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.

Medicines should be stored away from direct sunlight...

ADJ : ADJ n

3.

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...

ADJ : usu ADJ n

Direct is also an adverb.

I can deal direct with your Inspector Kimble...

ADV : ADV after v

• di‧rect‧ly

We cannot measure pain directly. It can only be estimated...

ADV : ADV with v

4.

You use direct to emphasize the closeness of a connection between two things.

They were unable to prove that she died as a direct result of his injection...

≠ indirect

ADJ : usu ADJ n [ emphasis ]

5.

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...

≠ indirect

ADJ

• di‧rect‧ly

At your first meeting, explain simply and directly what you hope to achieve...

ADV : ADV after v

• di‧rect‧ness

Using ‘I’ adds directness to a piece of writing...

N-UNCOUNT

6.

If you direct something at a particular thing, you aim or point it at that thing.

I directed the extinguisher at the fire without effect...

= aim

VERB : V n at/towards/on n

7.

If your attention, emotions, or actions are directed at a particular person or thing, you are focusing them on that person or thing.

The learner’s attention needs to be directed to the significant features...

Do not be surprised if, initially, she directs her anger at you...

= focus

VERB : be V-ed to/towards n / -ing , V n at n

8.

If a remark or look is directed at you, someone says something to you or looks at you.

She could hardly believe the question was directed towards her...

The abuse was directed at the TV crews...

Arnold directed a meaningful look at Irma.

VERB : be V-ed towards n , be V-ed at n , V n at n

9.

If you direct someone somewhere, you tell them how to get there.

Could you direct them to Dr Lamont’s office, please?...

VERB : V n to n

10.

When someone directs a project or a group of people, they are responsible for organizing the people and activities that are involved.

Christopher will direct day-to-day operations.

VERB : V n

• di‧rec‧tion

Organizations need clear direction...

N-UNCOUNT

11.

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.

He directed various TV shows...

...Miss Birkin’s long-held ambition to direct as well as act.

VERB : V n , V

12.

If you are directed to do something, someone in authority tells you to do it. ( FORMAL )

They have been directed to give special attention to the problem of poverty...

The Bishop directed the faithful to stay at home.

VERB : be V-ed to-inf , V n to-inf

13.

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.

ADJ : ADJ n

14.

see also direction , directly

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Английский словарь Коллинз COBUILD для изучающих язык на продвинутом уровне.