How Do You Spell DIRECT?

Pronunciation: [da͡ɪɹˈɛkt] (IPA)

The word "direct" is spelled /dəˈrɛkt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It starts with the consonant sound /d/, followed by the vowel sound /ə/, which is also known as the schwa sound. The second syllable contains the vowel sound /ɛ/, followed by the consonant sound /k/ and the final consonant sound /t/. The spelling "direct" comes from its Latin origin word "directus". This word means to guide or aim straight, which perfectly reflects its meaning in English as well.

DIRECT Meaning and Definition

  1. Direct can be used as an adjective or a verb, and it has several distinct meanings depending on its context. As an adjective, direct refers to something that goes from one point to another in a straight line, without any deviations or interruptions. This can be applied to physical objects or paths, such as a direct route or a direct flight. It can also describe someone who communicates or behaves in an honest and straightforward manner, without any ambiguity or deception.

    In a different context, direct can be a verb that means to guide or control the course of something. For example, one can direct a movie, a play, or a team. It involves giving instructions and managing the progress of an activity or project.

    Direct can also mean to address something specifically to a person, place, or thing, rather than speaking generally or indirectly. For instance, one can direct a question to a specific individual or direct a message to a particular department.

    Additionally, direct can be related to the act of managing or overseeing the affairs of a business, organization, or institution. People who exercise this responsibility are known as directors.

    Overall, whether used as an adjective or a verb, direct typically implies a straightforward or unambiguous manner, and it frequently involves guiding or controlling the course of something or addressing something specifically.

  2. Straight, not deviating to either side.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • Not crooked or winding; straight; right; not circuitous; plain; open.
    • A mark in music to guide the performer from the last note of one stave to the first of another.
    • To show the right road or course; to aim or point in a straight line; to regulate; to guide or lead; to order or instruct; to address as a letter.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DIRECT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DIRECT

Etymology of DIRECT

The word "direct" originates from the Latin word "directus", which is the past participle of the verb "dirigere". "Dirigere" is derived from the combination of the prefix "dis-" meaning "apart" or "in different directions" and the verb "regere" meaning "to guide" or "to rule". Hence, "directus" can be understood to mean "straight" or "to guide apart" in Latin. Over time, the word "direct" entered the English language with a similar meaning, initially referring to guiding or pointing in a straight or purposeful way.

Idioms with the word DIRECT

  • direct sth to(ward) sm or sth The phrase "direct something to (ward) someone or something" means to aim or focus something, such as attention, efforts, or communication, specifically towards a particular person or thing. It implies the act of pointing or aligning something towards a specific target.
  • direct something to(ward) someone or something The idiom "direct something to(ward) someone or something" means to address or aim something specifically at a particular person or thing, or to channel or focus something towards someone or something. It implies sending, aiming, or directing a communication, action, or object towards a specific recipient or target.
  • direct (something) at (someone or something) The idiom "direct (something) at (someone or something)" means to aim or intend something specifically towards a particular person or thing. It can refer to directing one's words, actions, or attention towards someone or something in a focused or pointed manner.
  • direct against The idiom "direct against" means to target or aim a behavior, action, or force towards someone or something, usually with hostile or negative intentions. It implies turning or focusing something directly towards someone or something as a means of confrontation or opposition.
  • direct (something) to (someone or something) The idiom "direct (something) to (someone or something)" means to send, aim, or focus something specifically toward a particular person or thing. It can refer to directing an action, emotion, communication, or any other form of energy towards a specific target.
  • direct sth to sm The idiom "direct something to someone" means to specifically address, send, or focus something towards a particular person or group. It can refer to directing communication, instructions, requests, or any form of action or information.
  • direct sth at sm or sth The idiom "direct something at someone or something" means to aim or address something specifically towards a particular person or thing. It implies that the action, statement, or intention is intended for the specified recipient or target.
  • direct sm's attention to sm or sth The idiom "direct someone's attention to someone or something" means to specifically point out or bring someone's focus and awareness to someone or something. It is often used to highlight or emphasize the importance or significance of the person or thing being mentioned.
  • direct message The idiom "direct message" refers to a private or personal message sent directly between two individuals on a social media platform or messaging service. It typically implies a confidential or exclusive communication that is not intended for public view.
  • direct (something) against (someone or something) The idiom "direct (something) against (someone or something)" means aiming or using something with the intention of causing harm, criticism, blame, or aggression towards a particular person, group, or thing. It implies focusing or channeling something in a way that targets or confronts someone/something.
  • direct someone's attention to someone or something The idiom "direct someone's attention to someone or something" means to intentionally guide or point someone's focus or concentration towards a particular person, object, or topic.
  • direct (one's) attention to (someone or something) The idiom "direct (one's) attention to (someone or something)" means to focus or channel one's awareness, gaze, or concentration towards a particular person or thing. It implies intentionally shifting one's focus towards something or someone, often for the purpose of giving them full attention or consideration.
  • direct sth against sm or sth To "direct something against someone or something" means to aim or intend something to be used specifically for someone or something, often in a negative or critical way. It implies the purposeful targeting or focus of an action, statement, or effort towards a particular individual or thing.
  • direct something to someone The idiom "direct something to someone" means to address or send communication, requests, or actions specifically to a particular person. It implies focusing attention, information, or inquiries towards a particular individual rather than directing them to a general audience.

Similar spelling words for DIRECT

Conjugate verb Direct

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have directed
you would have directed
he/she/it would have directed
we would have directed
they would have directed
I would have direct
you would have direct
he/she/it would have direct
we would have direct
they would have direct

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been directing
you would have been directing
he/she/it would have been directing
we would have been directing
they would have been directing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would direct
you would direct
he/she/it would direct
we would direct
they would direct

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be directing
you would be directing
he/she/it would be directing
we would be directing
they would be directing

FUTURE

I will direct
you will direct
he/she/it will direct
we will direct
they will direct

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be directing
you will be directing
he/she/it will be directing
we will be directing
they will be directing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have directed
you will have directed
he/she/it will have directed
we will have directed
they will have directed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been directing
you will have been directing
he/she/it will have been directing
we will have been directing
they will have been directing

IMPERATIVE

you direct
we let´s direct

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to direct

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was directing
you were directing
he/she/it was directing
we were directing
they were directing

PAST PARTICIPLE

directed

PAST PERFECT

I had directed
you had directed
he/she/it had directed
we had directed
they had directed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been directing
you had been directing
he/she/it had been directing
we had been directing
they had been directing

PRESENT

I direct
you direct
he/she/it directs
we direct
they direct

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am directing
you are directing
he/she/it is directing
we are directing
they are directing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

directing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have directed
you have directed
he/she/it has directed
we have directed
they have directed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been directing
you have been directing
he/she/it has been directing
we have been directing
they have been directing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it direct

SIMPLE PAST

I directed
you directed
he/she/it directed
we directed
they directed

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