direct discourse

American  

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

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.”

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Etymology

Origin of direct discourse

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

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

How are the transitions to direct discourse indicated?

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

In preparing his direct discourse he did not stick a stake and cart material to it.

From Revisiting the Earth by Hill, James Langdon

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

From The Turmoil, a novel by Tarkington, Booth