Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Directly

Di-rect′ly

,
adv.
1.
In a direct manner; in a straight line or course.
“To run directly on.”
Shak.
Indirectly and
directly
too
Thou hast contrived against the very life
Of the defendant.
Shakespeare
2.
In a straightforward way; without anything intervening; not by secondary, but by direct, means.
3.
Without circumlocution or ambiguity; absolutely; in express terms.
No man hath hitherto been so impious as plainly and
directly
to condemn prayer.
Hooker.
4.
Exactly; just.
Stand you
directly
in Antonius’ way.
Shakespeare
5.
Straightforwardly; honestly.
I have dealt most
directly
in thy affair.
Shakespeare
6.
Manifestly; openly.
[Obs.]
Desdemona is
directly
in love with him.
Shakespeare
7.
Straightway; next in order; without delay; immediately.
“Will she go now to bed?' [GREEK]Directly.'”
Shak.
8.
Immediately after; as soon as.
Directly
he stopped, the coffin was removed.
Dickens.
☞ This use of the word is common in England, especially in colloquial speech, but it can hardly be regarded as a well-sanctioned or desirable use.
Syn. – Immediately; forthwith; straightway; instantly; instantaneously; soon; promptly; openly; expressly.
–
Directly
,
Immediately
,
Instantly
,
Instantaneously
. Directly denotes, without any delay or diversion of attention; immediately implies, without any interposition of other occupation; instantly implies, without any intervention of time. Hence, “I will do it directly,” means, “I will go straightway about it.” “I will do it immediately,” means, “I will do it as the very next thing.” “I will do it instantly,” allows not a particle of delay. Instantaneously, like instantly, marks an interval too small to be appreciable, but commonly relates to physical causes;
as, the powder touched by fire
instantaneously
exploded
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Directly

DIRECTLY

,
adv.
1.
In a straight lin or course; rectilineally; not in a winding course. Aim directly to the object. Gravity tends directly to the center of the earth.
2.
Immediately; soon; without delay; as, he will be with us directly.
3.
Openly; expressly, without circumlocution or ambiguity, or without a train or inferences.
No man hath been so impious, as directly to condemn prayer.

Similar Results