directness

/dəˈrektnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /dəˈrektnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /də-ˈrek(t)-nəs dī-/ (ame, mw)

directness — noun

1. the habit of speaking plainly and saying exactly what you mean, even when it mig

1.名詞C1
釋義

the habit of speaking plainly and saying exactly what you mean, even when it might upset or surprise listeners.

例句

Kemi answered the interviewer's question with a directness that surprised everyone at the table.

with + directness for describing a manner of speech

Felix appreciates his teacher's directness because he always knows where he stands.

possessive + directness (someone's directness)

同義詞
  • frankness

    very close in meaning; emphasises openness without hiding feelings

  • bluntness

    stronger and more negative — suggests speech that can hurt or offend

  • candour

    more formal; stresses honesty especially about difficult topics

  • straightforwardness

    broader; covers both honest speech and a simple, no-tricks manner

反義詞
  • evasiveness

    avoiding clear answers

  • tact

    softening difficult truths — opposite in style, not always opposite in honesty

文法句型

directness of [speech/manner/approach]

with directness

用法筆記

Often paired with a possessive (her directness, the manager's directness) or with 'of' + a person or piece of communication. Carries mixed connotation: usually praises honesty but can imply bluntness depending on context.

常見錯誤

❌She told the news with a directness.
✅She told the news with directness.
💡uncountable noun; do not use the indefinite article 'a' before it.
❌I respect his many directnesses.
✅I respect his directness.
💡no plural form.

2. the quality of going straight from one point to another without bending, stoppin

2.名詞C1
釋義

the quality of going straight from one point to another without bending, stopping, or taking a longer way around.

例句

Sailors used the North Star to keep the directness of their route across open water.

directness + of + route

Hiro chose the new ferry for the directness of its crossing to the smaller island.

directness of + journey/crossing

同義詞
  • straightness

    focuses on the geometric shape of the line, not the choice of route

  • immediacy

    closer to 'without delay'; overlaps when speed and a short path matter together

反義詞

文法句型

directness of [a route/flight/movement]

用法筆記

Less frequent than sense 1; typically appears with 'of' + a path, journey, route, flight, or beam of light. Distinguishes from sense 1 by referring to physical movement or routing, not to speech or manner.

常見錯誤

❌The plane flew with directness.
✅The plane flew directly,' or 'The flight's directness saved an hour.
💡the noun usually needs an 'of' phrase naming the route or movement, not the bare adverbial 'with directness'.