Direct Definition
dĭ-rĕkt, dī-
directed, directing, directs, directer, directest
verb
directed, directing, directs
To manage the affairs, course, or action of; guide; conduct; regulate.
Webster's New World
To supervise or oversee (an activity or process).
Direct the building of a new road.
American Heritage
To be a director, as of a group of performers.
Webster's New World
To give guidance and instruction to (actors or musicians, for example) in the rehearsal and performance of a work.
American Heritage
To order or command with authority.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
adjective
directer, directest
By the shortest way, without turning or stopping; not roundabout; not interrupted; straight.
A direct route.
Webster's New World
Honest and to the point; straightforward; frank.
A direct answer.
Webster's New World
Having no intervening persons, conditions, or agencies; immediate.
Direct contact; direct sunlight.
American Heritage
With nothing or no one between; immediate; close, firsthand, or personal.
Direct contact, direct knowledge, direct marketing.
Webster's New World
In an unbroken line of descent; lineal.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
adverb
In a direct manner; directly.
Webster's New World
Origin of Direct
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Middle English directen from Latin dīrigere dīrēct- to give direction to dī-, dis- apart dis– regere to guide reg- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From Latin dīrectus, perfect passive participle of dīrigō (“straighten, direct”), from dis- (“asunder, in pieces, apart, in two”) + regō (“make straight, rule”).
From Wiktionary
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