direct

The definition of direct is something that is the shortest way or someone honest and to the point.

(adjective)

An example of direct is a non-stop plane trip from Los Angeles to Seattle.
An example of direct is someone telling a friend they would look better wearing make up.

To direct is defined as to supervise, manage or point towards.

(verb)

An example of to direct is instructing a performer what to do next in a play.

See direct in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

by the shortest way, without turning or stopping; not roundabout; not interrupted; straight: a direct route
honest and to the point; straightforward; frank: a direct answer
with nothing or no one between; immediate; close, firsthand, or personal: direct contact, direct knowledge
in an unbroken line of descent; lineal
exact; complete; absolute: the direct opposite
in the exact words of the speaker: a direct quotation
not needing a mordant: said of certain dyes
by or of action of the people through popular vote instead of through representatives or delegates
Astron. from west to east
Math. designating or of a relation between variables in which one increases or decreases with the other: a direct proportion

Origin: ME < L directus, pp. of dirigere, to lay straight, direct < di-, apart, from + regere, to keep straight, rule: see regal

transitive verb

to manage the affairs, course, or action of; guide; conduct; regulate
to order or command with authority
to turn or point (a person or thing) toward an object or goal; aim; head
to tell (a person) the way to a place
to address (words, remarks, etc.) to a specific person or persons, or in a specific direction
to write the name and address on (a letter, etc.)
1. to plan the action and effects of (a play, film, etc.) and to supervise and instruct (the actors and technicians) in the carrying out of such a plan
2. to rehearse and conduct the performance of (a choir, band, etc.)

intransitive verb

adverb

in a direct manner; directly

Related Forms:

See direct in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb di·rect·ed, di·rect·ing, di·rects

verb, transitive

To manage or conduct the affairs of; regulate.
To have or take charge of; control. See Synonyms at conduct.
To give authoritative instructions to: directed the student to answer.
To cause to move toward a goal; aim. See Synonyms at aim.
To show or indicate the way for: directed us to the airport.
To cause to move in or follow a straight course: directed their fire at the target.
To indicate the intended recipient on (a letter, for example).
To address or adapt (remarks, for example) to a specific person, audience, or purpose.
a. To give guidance and instruction to (actors or musicians, for example) in the rehearsal and performance of a work.
b. To supervise the performance of.

verb, intransitive

adjective

Proceeding without interruption in a straight course or line; not deviating or swerving: a direct route.
Straightforward and candid; frank: a direct response.
Having no intervening persons, conditions, or agencies; immediate: direct contact; direct sunlight.
Effected by action of the voters, rather than through elected representatives or delegates: direct elections.
Being of unbroken descent; lineal: a direct descendant of the monarch.
Consisting of the exact words of the writer or speaker: a direct quotation; direct speech.
Lacking compromising or mitigating elements; absolute: direct opposites.
Mathematics Varying in the same manner as another quantity, especially increasing if another quantity increases or decreasing if it decreases.
Astronomy Designating west-to-east motion of a planet in the same direction as the sun's movement against the stars.
Sports Being a free kick in soccer by which a goal can be scored without the ball being touched by a second player.