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.

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

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

How does the voice make the transition to direct discourse?

From The Ontario High School Reader by Marty, A.E.

"You mustn't give way so," she said, inspired for once almost to direct discourse.

From The Turmoil, a novel by Tarkington, Booth

If the teacher puts much direct discourse in a story of this kind when she tells it to the pupils, the task of dramatizing will naturally be made easier.

From Children's Literature A Textbook of Sources for Teachers and Teacher-Training Classes by Clippinger, Erle Elsworth