indirect reporting

[ɪnˈdɪrekt rɪˈpɔːrtɪŋ]
noun
discurso indireto
1. A grammatical method of reporting what someone said by paraphrasing their words rather than quoting them directly, often using subordinate clauses and adjusting pronouns, tenses, and other elements
The journalist used indirect reporting to convey the politician's statement without using quotation marks.
A jornalista usou discurso indireto para transmitir a declaração do político sem usar aspas.
2. The practice of relaying information or statements through an intermediary source rather than from the original speaker
Indirect reporting can sometimes lead to misunderstandings if details are not accurately conveyed.
O discurso indireto pode às vezes levar a mal-entendidos se os detalhes não forem transmitidos com precisão.
In Brazilian education, 'discurso indireto' is a fundamental grammar concept taught in schools. In journalism, both Brazilian and American outlets use indirect reporting extensively to maintain objectivity, though American journalism emphasizes direct quotes more heavily. Portuguese media similarly values indirect reporting for summarizing longer statements.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
reported speechindirect speechparaphrasingsecond-hand reporting
Antonyms / Antônimos
direct reportingdirect speechdirect quotationverbatim reporting

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
discurso indireto
Standard term used in educational and linguistic contexts
Portugal
discurso indireto
Same term used; also 'relato indireto' in some contexts
Journalism/Media
relato indireto
Preferred term in journalistic practice

Related Words

direct speechquotationnarrativeclausesubordinationparaphrase

Related Idioms & Phrases

reading between the lines
getting it secondhand
hearing through the grapevine
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