direct

Direct is a versatile term used across languages, sciences, and everyday discourse to denote immediacy, straightness, or a lack of mediation. It can describe a path that goes in a straight line, a method that avoids intermediaries, or communication that presents information without quotation or paraphrase.

In linguistics, direct has several specialized meanings. Direct speech reproduces the exact words spoken, as opposed to indirect (or reported) speech. The direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of a transitive verb. Direct address refers to speaking to a person by name or title in the second person.

In science and technology, direct contrasts with indirect. Direct current (DC) flows in a single direction. Direct illumination or heating applies energy straight to a target. Direct drive describes mechanisms connected without an intermediate stage, and direct memory access (DMA) lets devices access main memory without CPU mediation.

In mathematics and measurement, the direct distance between two points is the straight-line separation, while indirect routes involve detours. In navigation and logistics, a direct route is the shortest or simplest path between locations.

In politics, direct democracy enables citizens to vote on policies directly rather than through representatives. In business, direct-to-consumer models sell products directly to customers, often via online channels.

Originates from Latin directus, from diregere "to set straight, direct." The word has many related uses, all built on the core idea of immediacy, straightness, or unmediated connection.