direct discourse
[ dih-rekt-dis-kawrs, dahy- ]
noun
a representation of speech in which the speaker's exact words are repeated, as in She said, “I'm not at all hungry.”
Origin of direct discourse
1First recorded in 1845–50
- Also called di·rect speech [dih-rekt-speech, dahy-] /dɪˈrɛkt ˈspitʃ, daɪ-/ .
- Compare indirect discourse.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use direct discourse in a sentence
The great difficulty of getting uneducated people to give their testimony in direct discourse is remarkable.
Criminal Psychology | Hans GrossAbove vsum (esse) represents vsus est of the direct discourse.
Selections from Viri Romae | Charles Franois L'HomondIn the preceding exercise we saw different forms of direct quotations, or direct discourse.
Business English | Rose Buhligdirect discourse is more emphatic when it is separated from explanatory phrases, particularly from those which follow.
The Century Handbook of Writing | Garland Greeverdirect discourse is used in the telling, and an effort is made to develop simple and vivid mental pictures.
The Dramatization of Bible Stories | Elizabeth Erwin Miller Lobingier
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