direct discourse

[dih-rekt dis-kawrs, dahy-] / dɪˈrɛkt ˈdɪs kɔrs, daɪ- /

NOUN

report in which a speakers' exact words are quoted

Synonyms

WEAK

direct quotation direct speech oratio directa

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Material is generally considered to be later, for instance, as it increases in length, detail, and direct discourse, and decreases in Jewish influence.

From Time Magazine Archive

The story proper is written entirely in direct discourse which is really soliloquy, shading sometimes into a kind of ghostly dialog.

From Time Magazine Archive

We thus have all the advantages of direct discourse, all the gain in reality—without a hint as to what will be the fate of the leading actors.

From Essays on Modern Novelists by Phelps, William Lyon

This artistic suspense is attained partly by the method of direct discourse; which, at the same time, develops the character of the hero.

From Essays on Modern Novelists by Phelps, William Lyon

Often the Indirect Question represents a Deliberative Subjunctive of the direct discourse; as,— nesciō quid faciam, I do not know what to do.

From New Latin Grammar by Bennett, Charles E. (Charles Edwin)