di·rect 1 vt
1: to order with authority
the testator direct ed that the car go to his niece
2: to order entry of (a verdict) without jury consideration
the court direct ed a verdict in favor of the defendant
3: to act as director of
vi: to act as director
direct 2 adj
1 a: stemming immediately from a source
direct costs
a direct claim compare derivative
b: being or passing in a straight line from parent to offspring: lineal
a direct ancestor compare collateral
2: marked by absence of any intervening agency, instrumentality, or influence
direct consequences
3: effected by the action of the people or the electorate and not by representatives
direct democracy
4: characterized by close logical, causal, or consequential relationship
a direct interest in the outcome of the litigation
di·rect·ly adv
direct 3 n: direct examination
testimony given on direct
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.