direct discourse

[ dih-rekt dis-kawrs, dahy- ]

noun

1. a representation of speech in which the speaker's exact words are repeated, as in She said, “I'm not at all hungry.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of direct discourse¹

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

The great difficulty of getting uneducated people to give their testimony in direct discourse is remarkable.

From Project Gutenberg

Above vsum (esse) represents vsus est of the direct discourse.

From Project Gutenberg

In the preceding exercise we saw different forms of direct quotations, or direct discourse.

From Project Gutenberg

Direct discourse is more emphatic when it is separated from explanatory phrases, particularly from those which follow.

From Project Gutenberg

Direct discourse is used in the telling, and an effort is made to develop simple and vivid mental pictures.

From Project Gutenberg