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  1. Home /
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  3. English Dictionary /
  4. speak to someone directly

speak to someone directly

/spiːk tuː sʌmˈwʌn daɪˈrɛktli/
talk to someone face-to-face

She decided to speak to her boss directly about the issue.

She chose to have a face-to-face conversation with her boss about the problem.


formalinformal

to communicate with someone in person rather than through intermediaries or indirect means

The manager preferred to speak to employees directly to address concerns.

The manager chose to talk to employees in person to resolve issues.

Instead of emailing, he decided to speak to her directly.

He opted for a face-to-face conversation instead of sending an email.

This phrase emphasizes personal, unmediated communication, often to resolve conflicts or clarify intentions.

Collocations

speak to someone directlyto address someone in persondirect communicationconversation without intermediaries

Synonyms

talk to someone face-to-faceaddress someone personallyconfront someone directly

Antonyms

communicate indirectlysend a messageuse intermediaries

Related Phrases

talk to someone face-to-facephrase
to communicate in person
address someone directlyphrase
to speak to someone without intermediaries

Pro Tip

Use for clarity

Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the importance of direct, personal communication.

Gold Rule

Direct communication

This phrase is often used to resolve misunderstandings or conflicts by ensuring all parties are involved in the conversation.

Word Origin

Derived from the combination of 'speak' (to communicate verbally) and 'directly' (without intermediaries).

Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in professional or personal contexts where clarity or resolution is needed. It can imply honesty or urgency.

Word Breakdown

speak
to communicate verbally
root
+
to someone
the recipient of the communication
phrase
+
directly
without intermediaries or delays
adverb
English Dictionary
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