American English
/dɚˈɛkt̚.li/
3 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
In a straight line or by the shortest route, without turning or stopping.
“Directly” is often pronounced “duh-REKT-lee” (/dɚˈɛktli/), but many speakers also say “dye-REKT-lee” (/daɪˈɹɛktli/) or “dee-REKT-lee” (/diˈɹɛktli/). These are common alternatives with the same meaning.
In a straight line or by the shortest route, without turning or stopping.
Please go directly to the front desk.
The road leads directly to the beach.
go directly home · go directly to a place · come directly from somewhere
[verb] directly to + person/place
[verb] directly from + place/source
Without a middle person, organization, or step between two sides.
You can contact the manager directly.
We bought the tickets directly from the airline.
speak directly to someone · contact someone directly · deal directly with someone
[verb] directly to + person/organization
[verb] directly with + person/organization
Immediately after another event, or very soon afterward.
Call me directly after the meeting.
The pain started directly after dinner.
In time expressions, directly can mean “immediately” or “just after.”
directly after the meeting · directly before the event
directly after + event
directly before + event
In a clear and honest way, without avoiding the main point.
She told him directly that she disagreed.
Please speak directly to the person in charge.
speak directly to someone · tell someone directly · answer directly
speak directly to + person
tell + person + directly
to handle a person or problem yourself, without an intermediary
I prefer to deal directly with the bank.
from a source without an intermediary
We ordered the parts directly from the manufacturer.
immediately after something
She left directly after the interview.