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.
There’s a directness to Jim’s music, a solidity that feels apparent from the first note. Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025 This easygoing directness is repeated in the interior blueprint. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2025 The directness of Conceicao’s communication, far more articulate and fluent in Italian than his predecessor, dovetailed with the directness of his football. James Horncastle, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 The other carries an illustration of his mother. Speed and directness: the attributes Minteh has made his name with. Jacob Whitehead, The Athletic, 1 July 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 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on directness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!