Direct
What it means
Clear and candid without unnecessary detours or concealment.
Reach for it when praising communication that makes the real point easy to understand
Her direct explanation told applicants exactly how the shortlist was chosen.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional |
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| formal |
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playful
to the point
Fits when brevity and relevance are the virtues
Careful A brief answer may be evasive despite being to the point.
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everyday
Fits when open truthfulness may be uncomfortable but useful
Careful Frankness can sound sharper and more personal than direct wording.
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everyday
Fits when ease of understanding and honesty coincide
Careful Straightforward can describe a simple task rather than a candid person.
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warm
Fits when an unpretentious personal style is being praised
Careful Plain speech may lack the precision required in technical guidance.
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professional
Fits when comprehension is the only necessary claim
Careful A clear message can soften or omit facts instead of addressing them directly.
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formal
Fits when unguarded honesty deserves emphasis
Careful Candid often concerns disclosure, not an efficient route to the point.
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formal
Fits when confident openness is a character strength
Careful Forthright is stronger and can feel confrontational.
Opposites 3
- evasive
- indirect
- ambiguous
Common phrases 3
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direct answer
A direct answer ended the rumor without embarrassing anyone.
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direct approach
The direct approach saved a week of messages through intermediaries.
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clear and direct
Keep the safety notice clear and direct for hurried readers.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, California accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated