directness

noun

di·​rect·​ness də-ˈrek(t)-nəs 

dī-

1

: the character of being accurate in course or aim

2

: strict pertinence : straightforwardness

her directness was disarming

—Robin Cook

Synonyms

• bluntness
• candidness
• candor
• forthrightness
• frankness
• honesty
• openheartedness
• openness
• outspokenness
• plainness
• plainspokenness
• plumpness
• straightforwardness
• unguardedness
• unreserve
• unreservedness

Examples of directness in a Sentence

his directness is much appreciated by his patients

Recent Examples on the Web

In capturing that directness, Oppenheimer often shot in long takes, forgoing the fantasy sequences and montages that many have come to associate with musicals for an approach that better accessed his skills as a documentarian. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024

How has this newfound directness and maturity affected the visual style of Big Ideas? —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 15 July 2024

Intensity off the ball is being matched with directness on it. —Thom Harris, The Athletic, 4 July 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1