direct address
Americannoun
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Grammar. the use of a term or name for the person spoken to, as in securing the attention of that person; use of a vocative form.
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Computers. indirect address
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.
"You are like the wind at daybreak, you are like a cherished vision," he sings in a direct address to the horse, named Rovach.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
Terrence McNally, a master of direct address, intensifies the emotional climax of his play by having his characters step forward and explain how and when they will die.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025
What decisions did you make about using metatextual qualities and visual style and using direct address and other gimmicks to hold the viewer’s hand through the film?
From Salon • Oct. 26, 2023
That metadramatic direct address to readers defines the signature style of this weird hyper-self-aware mystery.
From Washington Post • Feb. 15, 2023
When it is used without relation to any other part of speech, as in direct address or exclamation.
From Practical Grammar and Composition by Wood, Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
