Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

indirect discourse

Noun

/ɪnˈdɛrɛkt ˈdɪskɔrs/

Definition

Indirect discourse is a way of reporting what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. It involves paraphrasing or summarizing their speech.

Examples

She said that she was going to the store.
John asked if they would join him for dinner.
The teacher explained that the test would start at 10 AM.

Meaning

In indirect discourse, the speaker’s words are conveyed through another person’s narration, often altering the original sentence structure, while retaining the underlying message.