directly

UK: /daɪˈrɛktli/, /dɪˈrɛktli/

US: /dɪˈrɛktli, daɪ-/

US: (di rekt′lē, dī-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

di•rect•ly /dɪˈrɛktli, daɪ-/   adv. 

1. in a direct line;
   straight:
   She drove directly to school.
2. at once;
   without delay:
   He left directly and didn't come back till later.
3. shortly;
   soon:
   The guests will be arriving directly.
4. frankly;
   truthfully;
   candidly:
   Don't be afraid to speak directly.

conj. 

5. Chiefly Brit. as soon as:
   Directly he arrived, he sat down.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

di•rect•ly  (di rekt′lē, dī-), adv. 

1. in a direct line, way, or manner;
   straight:
   The path leads directly to the lake.
2. at once;
   without delay;
   immediately:
   Do that directly.
3. shortly;
   soon:
   They will be here directly.
4. exactly;
   precisely:
   directly opposite the store.
5. without intervening space;
   next in order:
   The truck was parked directly behind my car.
6. openly or frankly;
   candidly:
   He didn't hesitate to speak directly about his debts.
7. Mathematics in direct proportion.

conj. 

8. as soon as:
   Directly he arrived, he mentioned the subject.

• Middle English directli. See direct, -ly 1350–1400

Synonyms

• 2. See immediately.
• 6.  straightforwardly, freely, plainly, unreservedly.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

directly / dɪˈrɛktlɪ daɪ-/ adverb

1. in a direct manner
2. at once; without delay
3. followed by before or after: immediately; just

conjunction

1. (subordinating) as soon as