directly

[dih-rekt-lee, dahy-]

adverb

1. in a direct line, way, or manner; straight.

   The path leads directly to the lake.

2. at once; without delay; immediately.

   Do that directly.

3. shortly; soon.

   They will be here directly.

4. exactly; precisely.

   directly opposite the store.

5. without intervening space; next in order.

   The truck was parked directly behind my car.

6. openly or frankly; candidly.

   He didn't hesitate to speak directly about his debts.

   Synonyms: freely

7. Mathematics.,  in direct proportion.

conjunction

1. as soon as.

   Directly he arrived, he mentioned the subject.

directly

/ dɪˈrɛktlɪ, daɪ- /

adverb

1. in a direct manner

2. at once; without delay

3. immediately; just

conjunction

1. (subordinating) as soon as

   we left directly the money arrived

Word History and Origins

Origin of directly¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, directly is from the Middle English word directli. See direct, -ly

Synonym Study

See immediately.

Example Sentences

Nicknamed 'The Kid' by her team-mates, she has been directly involved in more tries than any other player at the World Cup so far, scoring four tries and assisting another three.

From BBC

A lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow across the Moon's surface.

From BBC

A council trying to block a hotel from housing asylum seekers has confirmed its plan to appeal directly to the Supreme Court.

From BBC

We had a sense, at least through Kelly Kapoor and her pop culture references, that “The Office” took place in our shared reality, but it didn’t directly comment on real world matters.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, I’m learning how to pour that love, energy, and care directly into myself, which is so much more gratifying.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• immediately 
• instantaneously www.thesaurus.com
• instantly 
• promptly 
• quickly 
• shortly