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REFERENCE

directly

adv. · conj.
US //daɪˈɹɛkɫi// UK //daɪɹˈɛktli// di·rect·ly
  1. 1 without stopping or changing (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    without stopping or changing direction; in a straight line.

    in a direct manner or straight trajectory without intervening stops or deviations.

    Example

    The flight goes directly from London to New York without stopping.

    Example

    The missile was programmed to travel directly toward the target, ignoring any secondary heat signatures it encountered along the way.
  2. 2 personally or without help (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    without anyone or anything else in between; personally.

    without the intervention of a third party or intermediary; by direct means.

    Example

    You should speak directly to the manager if you have a problem.

    Example

    The CEO chose to address the staff directly rather than releasing a formal statement through the public relations department.
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  1. 3 exactly or precisely (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    exactly in a certain place or position.

    exactly or precisely in a specified position or relationship.

    Example

    The hotel is directly opposite the train station.

    Example

    The research findings directly contradict the theories proposed by the previous administration regarding urban development.
  2. 4 very soon (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Dialect American English

    in a little while or very soon.

    at a future time that is not distant; soon.

    Example

    Don't worry, I will be there directly.

    Example

    The doctor finished with his previous patient and told the nurse he would be in to see us directly.

    Usage

    Common in Southern American English to mean 'in a little while' rather than 'immediately'.

    Teacher's tip

    In some dialects, this means 'soon' rather than 'now'; learners should be aware of this regional shift in timing.
  3. 5 as soon as (conj.)
    C1 Advanced British English

    at the same time as or immediately after something happens.

    functioning as a subordinating conjunction meaning 'as soon as'.

    Example

    Directly he arrived, the meeting began.

    Example

    Directly the results were announced, the candidate began preparing her acceptance speech for the evening gala.

    Usage

    Used to join two clauses, often replacing 'as soon as'.
Origin

From direct + -ly.

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