directnessn.
/dᵻˈrɛk(t)nəs/, /dʌɪˈrɛk(t)nəs/, U.S. /dəˈrɛk(t)nəs/, /daɪˈrɛk(t)nəs/ The state or quality of being direct (literal and figurative); straightness, straightforwardness, plainness.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > straightness > [noun]
rightnesseOE
rectitude?a1425
straightness1530
directness1598
straighta1644
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > a straight course > [noun] > straightness of course or movement
rectilinearity1810
directness1816
1598 J. Florio Worlde of Wordes Diritezza, directnes, straightnes.
c1614 C. Cornwallis in J. Gutch Collectanea Curiosa (1781) I. 141 So would he use much sincerity and directness in the answer.
1668 W. Temple Let. to Ld. Keeper 12 Feb. (Seager) Our alliance, if it be pursued with the same directness it has been contracted.
1793 E. Burke Corr. (1844) IV. 201 Our politics want directness and simplicity.
1816 M. Keating Trav. (1817) II. 48 The directness of the courses of the rivers.
a1854 Ld. Cockburn Memorials (1856) ii. 114 His clear abrupt style imparted a dramatic directness and vivacity to the scene.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xiv. 96 An eagle could not swoop upon its prey with more directness of aim.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People vii. §1. 344 His denunciations of wrong had a prophetic directness and fire.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1896; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1598