directly

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.".

“Directly” is pronounced dih-REHK-lee (/dɪˈɹɛk(t).li/ in IPA).

Here is “directly” used in a sentence: “The road leads directly to the harbor.”

Words with a similar meaning to “directly” include clearly, downrightly, unambiguously, dead, precisely and slap bang.

The opposite of “directly” — its antonyms — are indirectly, circuitously and later.

“Directly” is an adverb.

“Directly” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Directly” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a straight line or straightforward manner, without detour.

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."

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.

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.