# direct

/daɪˈɹɛkt/ (US) · /daɪɹˈɛkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/direct
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to show the way

verb · CEFR A2

to show someone how to get to a place.

For teachers: to guide or point out the way to a destination.

- Could you direct me to the nearest train station?
- The concierge was happy to direct the tourists to the hidden courtyard that most guidebooks overlook.

Usage: Often used with a person as the direct object and a prepositional phrase starting with 'to'.

### 2. to manage or lead

verb · CEFR B1

to be in charge of a project, a group of people, or a film.

For teachers: to manage, control, or supervise the operations of an organisation or the creative aspects of a production.

- She was chosen to direct the new summer blockbuster movie.
- After years of assisting others, he finally had the opportunity to direct a research project of his own design.

### 3. to give an order

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to tell someone exactly what they must do in an official way.

For teachers: to instruct with authority; to issue an official order or requirement.

- The judge directed the jury to ignore the last statement.
- The CEO directed all department heads to submit their revised budget proposals by the end of the fiscal quarter.

Usage: Commonly follows the pattern 'direct someone to do something'.

### 4. straight or non-stop

adjective · CEFR A2

going straight to a place without stopping or changing direction.

For teachers: proceeding from one point to another in time or space without deviation or interruption.

- Is there a direct flight from London to New York?
- The new high-speed rail link provides a direct connection between the capital and the northern industrial hubs.

### 5. honest and clear

adjective · CEFR B1

saying exactly what you mean in a clear and honest way.

For teachers: straightforward and sincere in communication; lacking ambiguity or hidden meaning.

- I like her because she is very direct and never wastes time.
- The negotiator's direct approach was initially startling, but it ultimately saved both parties weeks of unnecessary posturing.

### 6. immediate cause

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

happening as a first result of something, with nothing in between.

For teachers: having an immediate relationship or being the primary cause without intervening factors.

- The power cut was a direct result of the heavy storm.
- The scientist argued that there was a direct correlation between the rising temperatures and the decline in local bird populations.

### 7. without stopping

adverb · CEFR B1

going straight to a place without stopping anywhere else.

For teachers: by a straight route or without any intermediary agents.

- We went direct to the hotel after our long flight.
- The goods are shipped direct from the factory to the customer to reduce overhead costs.

Usage: In modern English, 'directly' is more common as an adverb, but 'direct' is used in specific contexts like travel and shipping.

## Examples

- Can you direct me to the nearest train station?
- The police officer stood in the middle of the intersection to direct traffic away from the accident.
- The board of directors met late into the evening to discuss who should direct the company's expansion into the European market next year.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.