direct-examine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Legal, Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “direct-examine” mean?
In law, to question one's own witness in a court proceeding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In law, to question one's own witness in a court proceeding.
To formally question a witness called by your side (e.g., the defense or prosecution) in order to elicit testimony supporting your case, as distinct from cross-examining the opposing side's witness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both British and American legal contexts. However, British courts may sometimes use the simpler 'examine' more frequently in casual reference, while 'direct examination' remains the formal term.
Connotations
Neutral, procedural legal term. No significant connotative differences between UK and US usage.
Frequency
Equally common and essential in the legal jargon of both jurisdictions.
Grammar
How to Use “direct-examine” in a Sentence
[Attorney/Prosecutor/Defence] + direct-examine + [witness/expert]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “direct-examine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The defence barrister will now direct-examine the character witness.
- After the witness was sworn in, counsel began to direct-examine her on the events of that evening.
American English
- The prosecutor will direct-examine the forensic expert next.
- Your Honor, we request five more minutes to direct-examine this witness.
adverb
British English
- [Not used as a standalone adverb]
American English
- [Not used as a standalone adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Used only in compound form 'direct-examination'] The direct-examination phase was concise and effective.
- He is skilled in direct-examination techniques.
American English
- [Used only in compound form 'direct-examination'] The direct-examination testimony was compelling.
- She completed her direct-examination questions ahead of schedule.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, only in discussions of corporate litigation.
Academic
Used in law schools, textbooks, and academic papers on legal procedure.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core technical term in law, specifically in trial procedure and evidence.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “direct-examine”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “direct-examine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “direct-examine”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'examine' (e.g., 'The doctor will direct-examine the patient'). Confusing it with 'cross-examine'. Incorrectly hyphenating or writing as one word ('directexamine').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are opposites. You direct-examine your own witness. You cross-examine the opposing side's witness.
Almost never. It is a term of art specific to legal procedure and would sound odd in any other context.
The formal term is the same. However, in Commonwealth jurisdictions like the UK, Australia, and Canada, 'examination-in-chief' is the more traditional and commonly used term for the same procedure.
Yes, when used as a verb. The noun form is typically written as 'direct examination' (without a hyphen) or 'examination-in-chief'.
In law, to question one's own witness in a court proceeding.
Direct-examine is usually legal, formal, technical in register.
Direct-examine: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˌrɛkt ɪɡˈzæm.ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /dəˌrɛkt ɪɡˈzæm.ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms; it is itself a technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIRECT your own witness with friendly questions to get the story DIRECTLY from them.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDING A CASE (The direct examination is the process of laying the foundation/building blocks of your argument).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a direct-examination?