- going in the straightest line between two places without stopping or changing direction
- the most direct route
- This door allows direct access from the kitchen to the garage.
- a direct flight (= a flight that does not stop)
- There's a direct train to Leeds (= it may stop at other stations but you do not have to change trains).
- a direct hit (= a hit that is accurate and does not touch something else first)
Extra Examples- Isn't there a more direct route?
- The direct way to the river would be through the park.
- The most direct path to the summit is very steep and difficult.
- There was an overnight stopover in Singapore, then a direct flight to Sydney.
- Why is there is no direct bus from London Bridge to King's Cross?
- There's a direct train connecting the airport and the city.
- Although the city did not suffer a direct hit from the storm, there was extensive damage.
- The bombers scored direct hits on two supply ships.
- [usually before noun] happening or done without involving other people, actions, etc. in between
- She has been in direct contact with the prime minister.
- Clinical depression is thought to have a direct link to brain chemistry.
- There is a direct connection between these two phenomena.
- This information has a direct bearing on (= is closely connected with) the case.
- He died as a direct result of his employer's actions.
- a direct effect/consequence
- Many farmers are developing direct access to consumers.
- He was cleared of any direct involvement in the case.
- Participation in sport brings many benefits, both direct and indirect.
Extra Examples- You only get the disease through direct contact with contaminated blood.
- The two formats are so different, it's difficult to make a direct comparison.
- the direct involvement of the artist at every stage of the production
- These studies show the direct effects of climate change.
- Her father died as a direct consequence of these laws.
- The storms will have a direct impact on tourism in the region.
- Direct talks between the two sides began for the first time.
- She has direct responsibility for all new trainees.
- We are looking for somebody with direct experience of this type of work.
- The patient had suffered a direct blow to the head.
- [only before noun] with nothing between something and the source of the heat or light
- The plant should not be placed in direct sunlight.
- Grilling involves subjecting the food to direct heat.
Extra Examples- Blinds shade the south-facing room from direct sunlight.
- Protect your child from direct sunlight by using a sunscreen.
- Place the seed tray somewhere with diffuse light, not direct light, such as a north window.
- Melt the lard in a pan over direct heat.
- Inside a round house you get a nice, even spread of warmth from one simple direct heat source.
- saying exactly what you mean in a way that nobody can pretend not to understand
- I asked him a direct question: ‘Did you do it?’
- He would not give a direct answer.
- Her response is refreshingly direct.
- Their message is simple and direct: obesity kills.
- You'll have to get used to his direct manner.
- I prefer a more direct approach.
Synonyms honesthonestfrank ▪ direct ▪ open ▪ outspoken ▪ straight ▪ bluntThese words all describe people saying exactly what they mean without trying to hide feelings, opinions or facts.honest not hiding the truth about something:- Thank you for being so honest with me.
- To be frank with you, I think your son has little chance of passing the exam.
- You’ll have to get used to his direct manner.
- He was quite open about his reasons for leaving.
- She was outspoken in her criticism of the plan.
- I don’t think you’re being straight with me.
- She has a reputation for blunt speaking.
- Honest and frank refer to what you say as much as how you say it:
- a(n) honest/frank admission of guilt.
- I’m a very open person.
- honest/frank/direct/open/outspoken/straight about something
- honest/frank/direct/open/straight/blunt with somebody
- a(n) honest/direct/straight/blunt answer
- a frank/direct/blunt manner
Extra Examples- I need a direct answer to a direct question.
- a refreshingly direct discussion of the agency's priorities
- His criticism was unusually direct.
- Her manner can be rather direct.
- She has a very direct way of speaking.
- The songs are vivid and emotionally direct.
- his disconcertingly direct gaze
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- be
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- …
- [only before noun] (of evidence or proof) clearly showing something
- There is no direct evidence for the beneficial effects of these herbs.
Extra Examples- There was no direct proof of his personal involvement.
- Although there is no direct evidence, retailers and pasta manufacturers believe that consumers prefer ‘Italian’ brand names.
- [only before noun] exact
- That's the direct opposite of what you told me yesterday.
- a direct quote (= one using a person’s exact words)
- [only before noun] related through parents and children rather than brothers, sisters, aunts, etc.
- a direct descendant of the country’s first president
- With his death, the direct male line of the House of Capet came to an end.
journey/route
nobody/nothing in between
heat/light
saying what you mean
evidence
exact
relationship
Word Originlate Middle English: from Latin directus, past participle of dirigere, from di- ‘distinctly’ or de- ‘down’ + regere ‘put straight’.
Check pronunciation:
direct