direct vs directly

Direct describes a path or connection without stops, while directly describes the timing or the exactness of an action.

• direct

  without intermediate steps or stops

  We took a direct flight to London to avoid a long layover.

• directly

  immediately or in an exact position

  Please come to my office directly after the meeting finishes.

• Wrong: Is there a directly train from Madrid to Seville?→Right: Is there a direct train from Madrid to Seville?

• Wrong: I will call you direct when I arrive at the station.→Right: I will call you directly when I arrive at the station.

Direct is the route; directly is the clock.