adv. 1. In a direct manner; in a straight line or course. “To run directly on.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Indirectly and directly too
Thou hast contrived against the very life
Of the defendant. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. In a straightforward way; without anything intervening; not by secondary, but by direct, means. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Without circumlocution or ambiguity; absolutely; in express terms. [ 1913 Webster ] No man hath hitherto been so impious as plainly and directly to condemn prayer. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Exactly; just. [ 1913 Webster ] Stand you directly in Antonius' way. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Straightforwardly; honestly. [ 1913 Webster ] I have dealt most directly in thy affair. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. Manifestly; openly. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Desdemona is directly in love with him. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. Straightway; next in order; without delay; immediately. “Will she go now to bed?' &unr_;Directly.'” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 8. Immediately after; as soon as. [ 1913 Webster ] Directly he stopped, the coffin was removed. Dickens. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
Directly proportional (Math.), proportional in the order of the terms; increasing or decreasing together, and with a constant ratio; -- opposed to inversely proportional.
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. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
