different between directly vs promptly

English

Etymology

direct +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d????k(t)li/, /da????k(t)li/

Adverb

directly (comparative more directly, superlative most directly)

1. In a direct manner; in a straight line or course.

2. In a straightforward way; without anything intervening; not by secondary, but by direct means.

3. Plainly, without circumlocution or ambiguity; absolutely; in express terms.
4. Exactly; just.
5. Straightforwardly; honestly.

6. (dated) Immediately.
7. (Midlands) Soon; next; when it becomes convenient.

Synonyms

• (in a straight line or course): straightwise, undeviatingly
• (without circumlocution or ambiguity): bluntly, clearly, downrightly, unambiguously; see also Thesaurus:explicitly
• (exactly, just): accurately, precisely, slap bang; see also Thesaurus:exactly
• (straightforwardly, honestly): frankly, truthfully
• (immediately): forthwith, now, tout de suite; see also Thesaurus:immediately
• (soon, next): betimes, presently, shortly; see also Thesaurus:soon

Antonyms

• indirectly

Translations

Conjunction

directly

1. As soon as; immediately (elliptical for directly that/as/when)
   • 1982, Lawrence Durrell, Constance, Faber & Faber 2004 (Avignon Quintet), p. 725:

     Tenderly, reluctantly, he took his leave of her, promising that he would contact her directly he got back, perhaps in ten days or so.

   • 2009, Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall, Fourth Estate 2010, p. 463:

     He is to go to Calais, directly this is over, to replace Lord Berners as governor [...].

Anagrams

• tridecyl

English

Etymology

prompt +? -ly

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /?p??mptli/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?p??mptli/
• Hyphenation: prompt?ly

Adverb

promptly (comparative more promptly, superlative most promptly)

1. In prompt manner; both soon and quickly.

   • […] the ducklings nestled down inside it and promptly fell asleep.

Synonyms

• on line; see also Thesaurus:punctually

Translations