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

See Examples For:

direct discourse

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.

"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