Direct means straight to the point, without anything in between. A direct route from your house to school goes straight there without detours or stops along the way. When you give someone direct instructions, you tell them exactly what to do without hiding your meaning in hints or roundabout language.

The word appears in many contexts. A direct flight takes you from one city to another without landing anywhere else first, which is usually faster and simpler than connecting flights. Direct sunlight hits something straight on, not filtered through clouds or reflected off a mirror. When someone asks you a question and you give a direct answer, you respond clearly and honestly without dodging or avoiding the topic.

People who are direct in conversation say what they mean plainly. If your friend asks if you like their drawing and you say, “It's nice, but the proportions seem off,” that's being direct rather than just saying “It's nice” when you don't really think so. Being direct doesn't mean being rude: you can be both direct and kind by choosing your words thoughtfully while still being honest.

The word can also mean to guide or aim something. A teacher directs students' attention to the board. A director directs a movie by telling actors where to stand and how to deliver their lines. When you direct a flashlight beam at something, you aim it exactly where you want the light to go.