Directly vs. Indirectly

ADVERTISEMENT
Difference Between Directly and Indirectly
Directlyadverb
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.Indirectlyadverb
In an indirect manner.
Directlyadverb
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.Indirectlyadverb
not in a forthright manner;
he answered very indirectlyDirectlyadverb
Plainly, without circumlocution or ambiguity; absolutely; in express terms.
I'm going to tell Natalie directly that I love her.To put it more directly: he's not 'made redundant' but sacked.Directlyadverb
Exactly; just.
It's directly across the street.ADVERTISEMENT
Directlyadverb
Straightforwardly; honestly.
He told me directly that he'd cheated on me, and how sorry he was for it.Directlyadverb
(dated) Immediately.
Directlyadverb
Soon; next; when it becomes convenient.
We'll go to the store directly, but first I need to finish sweeping.Directlyconjunction
As soon as; immediately (elliptical for directly that/as/when)
Directlyadverb
without deviation;
the path leads directly to the lakewent direct to the officeDirectlyadverb
without anyone or anything intervening;
these two factors are directly relatedhe was directly responsiblemeasured the physical properties directlyADVERTISEMENT
Directlyadverb
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening;
he answered immediatelyfound an answer straightawayan official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwithCome here now!Directlyadverb
in a forthright manner; candidly or frankly;
he didn't answer directlytold me straight outcame out flat for less work and more pay