directly
directly Lexical Profile
directly Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
In a direct manner or straight line; without changing direction or stopping in between.
"After the meeting concluded, she walked directly to the train station."
Without nothing or no one in between; without an intermediary or intervening agency.
"The store buys its fresh produce directly from local farmers."
Exactly or precisely in a particular position or relationship.
"Their apartment is located directly above a busy bakery."
In a frank, candid, or straightforward way; without evasion.
"He answered all of the committee's questions directly and honestly."
Without delay; immediately, or in a very short time.
"The doctor will be in to see you directly."
• conjunction
British As soon as; the moment that.
"She recognized his voice directly he began to speak."
Word Nuance & Usage
Both 'direct' and 'directly' can function as adverbs meaning 'without stopping or deviating,' as in 'fly direct/directly to Paris,' though 'directly' is strictly required before an adjective or participle (e.g., 'directly responsible'). In British English, 'directly' also commonly functions as a conjunction meaning 'as soon as.'
• Rhymes for directly
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'direct' (from Latin directus, past participle of dirigere, 'to set straight') and the adverbial suffix '-ly'.