directly vs say

directly

adv
  • In a straightforward way; without anything intervening; not by secondary but by direct means. 

  • Soon; next; in due time; as soon as it becomes convenient. 

  • Plainly, without circumlocution or ambiguity; absolutely; in express terms. 

  • Straightforwardly; honestly. 

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

  • Exactly; just; at the shortest possible distance. 

conj
  • As soon as; immediately (elliptical for directly that/as/when) 

say

adv
  • For example; let us assume. 

  • Pick a color you think they'd like, say, peach. 

noun
  • Tried quality; temper; proof. 

  • A chance to speak; the right or power to influence or make a decision. 

  • Essay; trial; attempt. 

  • Trial by sample; assay; specimen. 

  • A strainer for milk. 

intj
  • Used to gain someone's attention before making an inquiry or suggestion 

verb
  • Suppose, assume; used to mark an example, supposition or hypothesis. 

  • To tell, either verbally or in writing. 

  • To indicate in a written form. 

  • To have a common expression; used in singular passive voice or plural active voice to indicate a rumor or well-known fact. 

  • To recite. 

  • To pronounce. 

  • To try; to assay. 

  • To bet as a wager on an outcome; by extension, used to express belief in an outcome by the speaker. 

  • To speak; to express an opinion; to make answer; to reply. 

How often have the words directly and say occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )