direct
UK: dɪˈrɛkt | US: dɪˈrɛkt
adj. 1. proceeding in a straight line or by the shortest course; not deviating or swerving.
adj. 2. straightforward; frank; candid.
vt. 1. to manage or guide by advice, instruction, etc.
vt. 2. to aim or point in a straight line toward a target.
The word "direct" originates from the Latin directus, the past participle of dirigere ("to arrange, guide, or align"). The morpheme di- (a variant of dis-) means "apart" or "in different directions," while rect comes from regere ("to rule, guide, or make straight"). Over time, the term evolved to emphasize the idea of straightness, alignment, or straightforwardness, both literally (physical direction) and figuratively (honest communication or leadership).
The teacher asked the students to direct their attention to the whiteboard.
She gave him direct instructions to avoid any confusion.
The arrow flew direct to the center of the target.
His direct manner of speaking sometimes offended people.
The manager will direct the team through the new project.