directement

Directement is a French adverb meaning directly, straight away, or in a direct manner. It can refer to immediacy in space, time, or manner, as well as to direct causation or connection. In spatial use, it describes moving or going without a detour; in temporal use, it indicates happening immediately or without delay; in causal use, it marks a direct relationship between cause and effect; and in manner use, it indicates straightforward, frank, or unmediated action.

Etymology and form: Directement derives from the adjective direct, which comes from Latin directus meaning straight or guided along a line. As an adverb, directly is used with verbs of movement, perception, communication, and description. It contrasts with indirectement, which means indirectly or through intermediaries.

Usage notes: Directement is common in both speech and writing. It is versatile and relatively neutral, though in some contexts it can carry a tone of emphasis or bluntness when paired with verbs such as parler directement or répondre directement. In legal or technical language, it frequently appears to indicate a guaranteed or immediate connection, e.g., un lien directement lié à un défaut.

Examples: Je vais directement à la gare. Il est arrivé directement après le dîner. Le problème est directement lié à une erreur de conception. Parlez directement, sans utiliser de détour.

Related terms include direct (adjective), directement adjacent (directly adjacent), and indirectement (indirectly). Directement serves to underscore immediacy, directness, or lack of intermediary in a wide range of contexts.