directly
106
1.4
- adverb
- /dɪˈrɛktli/
- She spoke directly to me about the issue, which I appreciated.
- speak directly
- directly address
- address the issue directly
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Watch on YouTubeSo people speaking directly are literal speakers.
- So people speaking directly are literal speakers.
- Like deal with it directly and swiftly and honestly.
Examples
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Answer every man directly and briefly.
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I'm just gonna ask this directly.
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The link is directly from their faith to this.
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The view model does not talk directly to its views.
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Miss Lee, could you speak directly into the mike?
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And it's nice to actually get an opportunity to address it directly.
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I will come directly and frankly to the point.
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Anyone who challenged him directly knew they were in for a fight.
Fiction book (1998) -
I'm speaking directly to you because, um, I don't have to explain myself to Jack.
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The final question in the survey asked students directly whether they had answered the questionnaire honestly.
Academic text (1990)
Synonyms
∞
3.2
In an honest and direct way that may upset or surprise
541
2.3
To show you are telling the truth or how you really feel
294
3.9
Speak directly to someone, not behind their back
274
1.6
To say or do things without hiding feelings
265
4.5
Say you are being honest before you speak
158
4.4
In a direct and blunt way
144
7.9
Used to say something is completely honest without exaggeration
142
1.6
In an honest and direct way
128
3.9
A person uses clear, direct words so there is no doubt
123
1.3
In a truthful way that shows you mean what you say
85
7.0
To say something plainly without hiding feelings
48
3.7
In a direct and firm way without avoiding the issue
41
4.1
Two people talk directly and honestly to each other
36
4.6
In a direct way that is not polite
35
5.0
In a very direct way without trying to hide anything
33
3.7
In an open and public way
29
6.1
Completely direct with no doubt or excuse
25
4.1
In an honest, direct way without hiding your true thoughts
20
4.3
Directly and openly, without hiding or delay
6
6.7
In a direct and honest way without hiding anything
5
3.9
In a clear, honest way without hiding anything
3
7.2
In a plain, direct way that does not make bad news seem softer
1
6.0
In a complete and direct way, without any doubt
1
5.5
To talk directly to someone when they are there
1
7.2
In a direct and bold way
1
7.4
In a direct and honest way without hiding feelings or opinions
1
8.0
In a direct, sometimes abrupt way that shows little patience
Antonyms
74
4.2
In a way that does not say something clearly, often by a hint or through someone else
How Frank
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Directly comes from direct, related to direction and director, with the old root directus meaning 'straight'. Think of 'straight' speech that does not go around the subject, so to speak directly is to speak 'honestly' and to the point.