Direct
/daɪˈrekt/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo control the course, movement, or activities of; to manage or guide.
/daɪˈrekt/
To control the operations of; manage or govern.
The manager directs the employees to complete the tasks.
💡 Simply: When you 'direct' something, you're like the boss! You tell people or things what to do, like a traffic cop telling cars where to go.
👶 For kids: To tell someone or something what to do.
More Examples
The teacher directs the students on how to solve the problem.
The conductor directs the orchestra, ensuring all instruments play together in harmony.
How It's Used
"The CEO directs the company's overall strategy."
"The director directs the actors and the camera crew."
To point or aim something at a particular target or towards a certain direction.
/daɪˈrekt/
To aim or point something in a particular direction.
The photographer directed the camera at the sunset.
💡 Simply: To 'direct' something is like pointing it. If you're directing a spotlight, you're making it shine on something specific.
👶 For kids: To point something at something.
More Examples
The teacher directed the student's attention to the important parts of the lesson.
The arrow was directed towards the bullseye.
How It's Used
"The soldiers directed their weapons towards the enemy."
"He directed his gaze toward the window."
Straight, without turning or deviation; straightforward.
/daɪˈrekt/
Proceeding in a straight line or by the shortest route.
The instructions were direct and easy to follow.
💡 Simply: When something is 'direct', it's like the shortest way. Imagine you're going straight home instead of taking a long, winding path.
👶 For kids: Going straight; not stopping or turning.
More Examples
We took a direct flight to Paris.
The company aims for a direct line of communication with customers.
How It's Used
"The direct route is the quickest one."
"We received a direct response to our inquiry."
Without intermediaries, or interference; immediate.
/daɪˈrekt/
Without intermediaries or interference.
The company's policy is direct communication with clients.
💡 Simply: 'Direct' can also mean 'no middleman.' If you buy something directly from the farm, there's nobody in between you and the farmers.
👶 For kids: Right away; no helpers in between.
More Examples
We received a direct payment from the client.
The president has direct authority over the military.
How It's Used
"Direct sales allow for a personal connection with the customer."
"A direct democracy allows citizens to vote on policies."
Idioms & expressions
direct democracy
A form of democracy where citizens directly vote on policies and laws, rather than electing representatives.
"In a system of direct democracy, every citizen has the opportunity to vote on important decisions."
direct action
Action taken directly to achieve an end, often used in activism to describe protests, boycotts, etc.
"The environmental group used direct action tactics to prevent the deforestation."
direct mail
Advertising material sent to people's homes by post.
"The company sent out direct mail advertising its new products."
From Latin *dīrectus*, past participle of *dīrigere* 'to set straight, guide', from *dis-* 'apart' + *regere* 'to rule, guide'.
Historically, 'direct' has been used since the 14th century to indicate a straight or unimpeded path. The verb form developed later.
Memory tip
Imagine a traffic controller directing cars - they're in charge of their movement.