directness

noun

di·​rect·​ness də-ˈrek(t)-nəs How to pronounce directness (audio)
dī-
1
: the character of being accurate in course or aim
2
: strict pertinence : straightforwardness
her directness was disarmingRobin Cook

Examples of directness in a Sentence

his directness is much appreciated by his patients
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Crystal Palace are desperate for directness to spark them back into life Brennan Johnson: Feeling his team-mates' love - and silencing his Tottenham doubters Jack Hinshelwood... midfielder? New York Times, 23 Sep. 2024 And whereas Spain sometimes offered serious directness from the other wide role, with the likes of Villa, Pedro Rodriguez and Jesus Navas all used to good effect at the World Cup, throughout this tournament, Del Bosque favoured David Silva. Michael Cox, The Athletic, 27 Apr. 2024 Leaders in the field of women’s health have praised her directness and see it as a welcome change from Biden’s wavering stance. The Editors, The New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2024 Some readers might react to such justifications with skepticism, but Witt’s directness and sincerity are disarming. Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for directness 

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of directness was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near directness

Cite this Entry

“Directness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directness. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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