Directness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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directness

[dɪˈrɛktnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

communication

The quality of being straightforward and honest in communication or behavior.

Synonyms

bluntness, candor, frankness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
directness	Used to describe clear and straightforward communication without any ambiguity, appropriate in both formal and informal situations. Her directness was appreciated during the meeting as it saved everyone time. He has always shown directness in his opinions.
frankness	Suggests an open and honest way of speaking, often used in contexts where personal opinions or feelings are being shared openly. I appreciated his frankness when discussing my performance. Her frankness about her experiences made the conversation very insightful.
candor	Refers to honest and open communication, often appreciated in formal and professional settings. It implies sincerity and transparency. His candor during the interview impressed the hiring committee. She spoke with candor about the challenges the company is facing.
bluntness	Implies a lack of subtlety and can sometimes have a negative connotation, indicating that the communication might be too harsh or insensitive. Her bluntness sometimes hurts people's feelings. He expressed his thoughts with bluntness, not considering how others might react.

Examples of usage

He appreciated her directness in addressing the issue.
I admire his directness in expressing his opinions.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

relationship

The quality of being clear and unambiguous in expressing feelings or intentions towards someone.

Synonyms

clarity, honesty, openness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
directness	Used when describing someone who speaks or acts straightforwardly without beating around the bush. It's often positive but can be perceived as blunt in some situations. Her directness in meetings ensures that tasks are clearly assigned and understood. He appreciated her directness, even when it was hard to hear.
clarity	Refers to the quality of being clear and easy to understand, often used in communication or explanation. It implies that there is no confusion or ambiguity. The clarity of his presentation helped everyone understand the project requirements. She brought clarity to complex concepts, making them accessible to all.
openness	Refers to the quality of being open-minded, willing to consider new ideas, and being transparent in communication. It is often positive and encourages trust and collaboration. The openness of the discussion allowed everyone to voice their concerns. He valued her openness to feedback and new ideas.
honesty	Used to describe a virtue of being truthful and sincere. Honesty is generally positive and is associated with trustworthiness and integrity. His honesty is what makes him so reliable as a friend and colleague. She spoke with honesty about the challenges the team was facing.

Examples of usage

She appreciated his directness in telling her how he felt.
His directness in asking her out on a date was refreshing.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

leadership

The quality of giving clear and specific instructions or guidance to others.

Synonyms

assertiveness, clarity, decisiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
directness	Used when someone speaks or acts in a straightforward and honest manner without beating around the bush. Her directness in addressing the issue made the meeting more productive John's directness can sometimes come off as rude
clarity	Used when someone communicates in a way that is easy to understand and leaves no room for confusion. The clarity of his presentation impressed everyone For better clarity, please provide more detailed instructions
assertiveness	Used when someone confidently expresses their opinions and needs without being aggressive. Assertiveness is key in negotiations to ensure that both parties reach a fair agreement Jane's assertiveness helped her secure a promotion
decisiveness	Used when someone is able to make decisions quickly and effectively without hesitation. Her decisiveness during the emergency prevented a major disaster Decisiveness is an important quality for a leader

Examples of usage

His directness in leading the team helped them achieve their goals efficiently.
The CEO's directness in decision-making was crucial for the company's success.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'directness'

The word 'directness' originates from the Middle English word 'directnesse', which came from the Old French 'directeness'. Its use dates back to the 15th century, where it initially referred to the quality of being straightforward or honest. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various contexts such as communication, relationships, and leadership.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,161, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19158 skew
19159 matte
19160 argumentative
19161 directness
19162 misused
19163 dwarfs
19164 cranium
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