directness

noun di·rect·ness \ də-ˈrek(t)-nəs , dī- \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Examples: directness in a Sentence

Definition of directness

1 : the character of being accurate in course or aim

2 : strict pertinence : straightforwardness

her directness was disarming
—Robin Cook

Examples of directness in a Sentence

his directness is much appreciated by his patients

Recent Examples of directness from the Web

Their declarations of rage, triumph, fear and warning possess a directness and universality that Mr. Indiana likened to the Ten Commandments.

— New York Times, "Robert Indiana’s Best: A Mini Retrospective," 23 May 2018
This is also, Tannen says, a byproduct of the double bind; because directness is often read as aggression, women learn to handle confrontation in indirect, self-consciously accommodating ways as well.

— ashley fetters, The Cut, "The Strict, Subtle Rules of a Hey Ladies! Email," 1 May 2018
A year ago, New York Philharmonic music director-designate Jaap Van Zweden led the L.A. Phil in Shostakovich's Fifth in Disney Hall with aggressive directness.

— mark swed, latimes.com, "Salonen's 'Pollux' supplies some grunge for L.A. Phil tour," 16 Apr. 2018
Writer Heidi Thomas and director Vanessa Caswill tell the timeless story with skill, affection and fresh directness.

— hal boedeker, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'Little Women': PBS honors a classic," 10 May 2018
But the structure of the dinner and, more importantly, the unifying presence of the comedian at the roast both risks complicity and allows directness.

— tara isabella burton, Vox, "Why Michelle Wolf and Father Pat Conroy are so important.," 30 Apr. 2018
Would that Joshua Jackson were as distinctive, but his acting is too blandly genial to make an impression, though Mr. Leon has staged the play with his customary directness and transparency.

— terry teachout, WSJ, "‘Children of a Lesser God’ Review: Communication Breakdown," 12 Apr. 2018
The directness of those titles feels true to the arresting quality of Ramsay's cinema but also somewhat at odds with the feverish elusiveness of her methods.

— justin chang, latimes.com, "Joaquin Phoenix descends into a hellish New York underworld in the haunting 'You Were Never Really Here'," 5 Apr. 2018
Walton, who believes that honesty and directness with his players ensures a genuine connection, made sure that Thomas had entrée to be heard.

— sam amick, USA TODAY, "Resilient Isaiah Thomas on Lakers role: 'I'm not no sixth man'," 15 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'directness.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.