Added 9 October 2026
directly
/dɪˈɹɛk(t).li/ adverb
In Latin: rēctā Wiktionary
adverb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about directly at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
In a direct manner; in a straight line or course.
He drove directly to the office, and didn't stop off at the petrol station.
-
In a straightforward way; without anything intervening; not by secondary but by direct means.
I'm sick of asking you to fire him; I'll just do it directly.
-
Plainly, without circumlocution or ambiguity; absolutely; in express terms.
I'm going to tell Natalie directly that I love her.
conjunction
- As soon as; immediately (elliptical for directly that/as/when).