direct
gb/dɪɹˈɛkt/ us/dɪɹˈɛkt/
A2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
straight without turning
Going in a straight line without turning.
Usage pattern:
a direct [route/path/flight]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'direct' with 'straightforward' in contexts where only physical direction is meant.
Synonyms
straight (Implies no curves or bends, but may not emphasize efficiency or shortest distance like 'direct' can.)
Antonyms
indirect (Involves turns, detours, or a less straightforward route.)
Collocations
direct route
|direct flight
|direct path
|direct access
|direct connection
Themes
travel
|navigation
|geometry
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This train offers a direct route to the city center.
- We took the most direct path through the forest.
- Is there a direct flight from New York to Rome?
- The hotel has direct access to the beach.
Learner examples
- This is the direct road to the park.
- I take a direct bus to work.
- We walked on a direct path to school.
Verb
B1
action
2
guide or control something
To tell or show someone what to do or where to go.
Usage pattern:
to direct [someone/something] to [somewhere]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'direct' with 'order' when they mean physical guidance rather than giving commands.
Synonyms
guide (Focuses on leading someone, often with advice or physical presence, rather than controlling.)
Antonyms
mislead (To give wrong instructions or guidance.)
Collocations
direct traffic
|direct operations
|direct attention
|direct a film
Themes
management
|navigation
|film
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The police officer directed traffic around the accident.
- She directs a team of twenty engineers.
- The teacher directed the students to line up at the door.
- He has directed several award-winning movies.
Learner examples
- The man directed me to the bus station.
- The teacher directed us to sit down.
- She directs the new workers in the office.
adjective
B1
property
3
straightforward in speech
Saying what you think in a clear and honest way.
Usage pattern:
a direct [answer/question/approach]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes misinterpret 'direct' here as rude, though it can be polite depending on tone and context.
Synonyms
frank (Often implies openness even about uncomfortable truths; 'direct' can be less emotionally charged.)
Antonyms
evasive (Avoiding giving a clear answer or statement.)
Collocations
direct answer
|direct approach
|direct communication
Themes
communication
|personality
|relationships
Examples
- She gave me a direct answer when I asked about her plans.
- I appreciate his direct way of speaking.
- The manager prefers a direct approach to problem-solving.
Learner examples
- He gave me a direct answer.
- She is very direct with her friends.
- I like his direct style.
Verb
B1
action
4
control making of film/play
To control how actors act and how scenes are filmed in a movie or play.
Usage pattern:
to direct [a movie/play/performance]
Synonyms
film (Used informally for making movies, but doesn't imply artistic control like 'direct' does.)
Antonyms
act (To perform in a production rather than oversee it.)
Collocations
direct a movie
|direct a play
|direct a performance
Themes
entertainment
|film
|arts_entertainment
|work
Examples
- She directed her first feature film last year.
- He has directed several Broadway plays.
- Steven Spielberg directed this famous movie.
Learner examples
- He directs many films.
- She will direct a new play.
- My brother wants to direct movies.
Verb
B2
action
5
aim or focus attention on something
To point something at someone or something, or make someone look at something.
Usage pattern:
to direct [something] at/towards [someone/something]
Synonyms
aim (Focuses on pointing physically or figuratively; 'direct' can involve broader control.)
Antonyms
divert (To turn away from a target or focus.)
Collocations
direct attention at
|direct criticism towards
|direct efforts towards
Themes
focus
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She directed her gaze towards the painting.
- The campaign directs its efforts at young voters.
- He directed the flashlight into the dark room.
Learner examples
- Please direct your eyes to the board.
- He directs his work to help children.
- I directed my camera at the bird.
Grammar
Dictionary form
direct
IPA
GB/dɪɹˈɛkt/
US/dɪɹˈɛkt/
Syllables & stress
dir - ect (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ect)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: direct
Verb
- Base: direct
- 3rd Person Singular: directs
- Present Participle: directing
- Past: directed
Word family
Forms
directs
verb
directing
verb
directed
verb
Negative and opposite forms
indirect
adjective B2
indirectly
adverb B1
Advanced or less common
Expressions
directly proportional (to)
1/dɪɹˈɛktli pɹəpˈɔɹʃənəl tə/
fixed phrase
technical
changing at same rate as another thing
When one thing changes and another thing changes by the same amount or rate.
Examples
- In physics, force is directly proportional to acceleration.
- The cost is directly proportional to the number of items bought.
in direct contact (with)
1/ˈɪn dɪɹˈɛkt kˈɑntˌækt wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
touching without anything between
Touching something with no space or barrier between them.
Examples
- The chemical should not come into direct contact with your skin.
- The wires must not be in direct contact with water.
in no uncertain terms (direct)
1/ˈɪn nˈoʊ ʌnsˈɚtən tˈɚmz dɪɹˈɛkt/
idiom
say something very clearly and strongly
To say something very clearly so there is no doubt about what you mean.
Examples
- She told him in no uncertain terms that he was fired.
- They made their demands in no uncertain terms.