directly

views updated May 17 2018

di·rect·ly / diˈrektlē/ • adv. 1. without changing direction or stopping: they went directly to the restaurant. ∎  at once; immediately: I went directly after breakfast. ∎ dated in a little while; soon: I'll be back directly.2. with nothing or no one in between: the decisions directly affect people's health the security forces were directly responsible for the massacre. ∎  exactly in a specified position: the ceiling directly above the door the houses directly opposite.3. in a frank way: she spoke simply and directly.• conj. Brit. as soon as: she fell asleep directly she got into bed.