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direct

di·rect

direct

 
 
pronunciation:
d rekt
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, adjective, adverb
features:
Word Combinations (verb, adjective), Word Builder, Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: directs, directing, directed
definition 1: to give instructions that lead or guide.
Can you direct me to the nearest bus stop?
 
similar words:
conduct, guide, lead, orient, point, show, steer, usher
definition 2: to guide the affairs or operation of; manage.
She has directed the company for the past twenty years.
synonyms:
head, lead, run
similar words:
administer, conduct, control, guide, handle, manage, moderate, orchestrate, oversee, quarterback, supervise
definition 3: to command or instruct, or to control by giving orders or instructions.
The officer directed the men to begin digging trenches.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] It's the coach's job to direct the players.
synonyms:
commend, control, instruct
similar words:
bid, charge, command, conduct, dictate, lead, order, tell
definition 4: to aim communication at; address.
I will direct this question to you, Senator.
synonyms:
address
similar words:
aim, cast, fix, level, send
definition 5: to send or aim towards a place or person.
He directed the beam of light under the car.Her guidance counselor directed her to a tutor who might be able to help her.
synonyms:
point, send
similar words:
aim, beam, cast, channel, concentrate, fix, head, level, pilot, shine, steer, train
definition 6: to lead and instruct in the making of (a film, play, or the like).
He directed several films that were successful at the box office.
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to order or command.
You will do as I direct.
synonyms:
command, order
similar words:
ask, bid, conduct, dictate, ordain
definition 2: to be the director of a film or play.
He acted in the film, and his wife directed.
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part of speech: adjective
definition 1: proceeding on a straight course.
We're late so we'd better take the most direct route.
antonyms:
circuitous, devious, indirect, roundabout, sidelong
similar words:
express, shortest, straight, straightaway, straightforward
definition 2: without anything mediating or coming between.
The children need our direct support immediately.These plants do best with direct sunlight.
similar words:
unobstructed
definition 3: truthful and open; straightforward.
The teacher was direct but kind when pointing out students' mistakes.
synonyms:
candid, frank, straight, straight-out, straightforward
antonyms:
backhanded, devious, evasive, indirect, oblique, reserved, sidelong
similar words:
aboveboard, blunt, explicit, forthright, honest, matter-of-fact, open, outspoken, plump, point-blank, round, truthful
definition 4: of consequences or results, immediately following or resulting from a cause.
The loss of his job was a direct consequence of the car accident.Her success in tennis was a direct result of rigorous practice.
synonyms:
immediate
antonyms:
indirect
definition 5: being the exact words used originally.
She reported the remark as a direct quote.
synonyms:
exact, verbatim, word-for-word
similar words:
accurate, literal, precise
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part of speech: adverb
definition: in a direct manner.
We will fly direct to Tokyo.
synonyms:
right, straight
similar words:
straightforward
derivation: directness (n.)
Word Builder: direct +
  • director:
    a person who directs or who gives directions.
Word Explorer
See
  art, communication, film, mind, theater, work
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