What does "directly" mean?
In a direct manner; in a straight line or course.
Directly
/dɪˈɹɛk(t).li/ adv, conj
adv, conj ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: In a direct manner; in a straight line or course.
- Grammar: directly is listed as adv, conj.
- Nearest alternatives: straight, absolutely, after a while, all joking aside.
- Useful contrasts: askant, aslant, sidelong.
- Usage evidence: As a rule, I prefer people who deal with matters of this kind directly with those involved.
How to use "directly"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "directly" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "directly" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "directly" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "directly" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "directly" is acting as adv, conj in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "straight" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "directly", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adverb
- 1 In a direct manner; in a straight line or course.
"He drove directly to the office, and didn't stop off at the petrol station."
- 2 In a straightforward way; without anything intervening; not by secondary but by direct means.
"I'm sick of asking you to fire him; I'll just do it directly."
- 3 Plainly, without circumlocution or ambiguity; absolutely; in express terms.
"I'm going to tell Natalie directly that I love her."
- 4 Exactly; just; at the shortest possible distance.
"It's directly across the street."
- 5 Straightforwardly; honestly.
"He told me directly that he'd cheated on me, and how sorry he was for it."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Immediately. dated
- 7 Soon; next; in due time; as soon as it becomes convenient. Cornwall, Midlands, Southern-US, dated, dialectal, including
"We'll go to the store directly, but first I need to finish sweeping."
Adverb
- 1 without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening wordnet
- 2 without deviation wordnet
- 3 in a forthright manner; candidly or frankly wordnet
- 4 without anyone or anything intervening wordnet
Conjunction
- 1 As soon as; immediately (elliptical for directly that/as/when) British
"“He is, he is," Nastenka repeated. “He is here, and I know it. We made an agreement at the time, that evening, before he went away: when we said all that I have told you, and had come to an understanding, then we came out here for a walk on this embankment. It was ten o'clock; we sat on this seat. I was not crying then; it was sweet to me to hear what he said.... And he said that he would come to us directly he arrived, and if I did not refuse him, then we would tell grandmother about it all. Now he is here, I know it, and yet he does not come!""
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"As a rule, I prefer people who deal with matters of this kind directly with those involved."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "directly"?
Common synonyms include: straight, absolutely, after a while, all joking aside, anon, apace.
How do you use "directly" in a sentence?
As a rule, I prefer people who deal with matters of this kind directly with those involved.
How do you pronounce "directly"?
Pronounced /dɪˈɹɛk(t).li/.
Etymology
From direct + -ly.