directly
18 synonyms and 3 antonyms for directly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a straight line or straightforward manner, without detour.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use directly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "direct" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."
Full origin of directly →Frequently asked questions
What does “directly” mean?
The word “directly” means in a straight line or straightforward manner, without detour. In plain terms, straight to the point, without anything in between — or, in older/regional usage, "very soon.".
How do you pronounce “directly”?
“Directly” is pronounced dih-REHK-lee (/dɪˈɹɛk(t).li/ in IPA).
How do you use “directly” in a sentence?
Here is “directly” used in a sentence: “The road leads directly to the harbor.”
What is another word for “directly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “directly” include clearly, downrightly, unambiguously, dead, precisely and slap bang.
What is the opposite of “directly”?
The opposite of “directly” — its antonyms — are indirectly, circuitously and later.
What part of speech is “directly”?
“Directly” is an adverb.
Is “directly” a common word?
“Directly” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “directly” have?
“Directly” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a straight line or straightforward manner, without detour.
What is the difference between directly and direct?
Direct is usually the adjective or verb — "a direct route," "direct the traffic" — while directly is the adverb, describing how something is done: "she answered directly." Confusingly, direct can also act as an adverb in some phrases ("fly direct"), but directly is the standard choice for "in a straightforward way."
What does directly mean?
Directly has a few related senses. It can mean in a straight line, without detour — "the path leads directly to the door." It can mean plainly and frankly — "speak directly." And in some usage it means immediately or very soon — "I'll be there directly." Context makes clear which is meant.
What is the opposite of directly?
The opposite depends on the sense. For the "straight line" meaning, opposites are indirectly, roundabout, or via a detour. For the "frank" meaning, opposites include evasively, vaguely, or obliquely. For the "immediately" sense, later or eventually would contrast. In each case, directly implies the shortest, most straightforward route.