directly Meaning & Definition
What Does Directly Mean?
Directly is used as an adverb meaning In a direct manner; in a straight line or course. It can also mean In a straightforward way; without anything intervening; not by secondary, but by direct means. As a conjunction, it means As soon as; immediately.
Quick Facts About Directly
| Part of speech | adverb, conjunction |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //dɪˈɹɛk(t).li// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | direct, forthwith and flat |
| Antonyms | indirectly, circuitously and later |
| Comparative / superlative | more directly, most directly |
Directly Definition (Adverb)
- In a direct manner; in a straight line or course.
He drove directly to the office, and didn't stop off at the petrol station.
- In a straightforward way; without anything intervening; not by secondary, but by direct means.
I'm sick of asking you to fire him, I'll just do it directly.
- Plainly, without circumlocution or ambiguity; absolutely; in express terms.
I'm going to tell Natalie directly that I love her.
- Exactly; just.
It's directly across the street.
- Straightforwardly; honestly.
He told me directly that he'd cheated on me, and how sorry he was for it.
- Immediately.
- Soon; next; when it becomes convenient.
We'll go to the store directly, but first I need to finish sweeping.
Directly as a Conjunction
- As soon as; immediately.
Synonyms of Directly
Antonyms of Directly
Directly in a Sentence
He drove directly to the office, and didn't stop off at the petrol station.
I'm sick of asking you to fire him, I'll just do it directly.
I'm going to tell Natalie directly that I love her.
It's directly across the street.
He told me directly that he'd cheated on me, and how sorry he was for it.
We'll go to the store directly, but first I need to finish sweeping.
Word Forms & Grammar
directly (comparative more directly, superlative most directly)
directly
Words That Rhyme With Directly
Origin of Directly
From direct + -ly.
How to Pronounce Directly
You say directly as //dɪˈɹɛk(t).li//. It has 1 syllable.
Questions People Ask About Directly
Is directly an adverb or a conjunction?
Directly is mainly used as an adverb, but it can also be used as a conjunction.
What is another word for directly?
You can replace directly with words such as direct, forthwith and flat. See the full list of directly synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of directly?
The opposite of directly can be expressed with words like indirectly, circuitously and later.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of directly?
The comparative form is more directly and the superlative form is most directly.