indirect

[ in-duh-rekt, -dahy- ]

adjective

1. not in a direct course or path; deviating from a straight line; roundabout:

   an indirect course in sailing.

2. coming or resulting otherwise than directly or immediately, as effects or consequences:

   an indirect advantage.

   Synonyms: secondary, unintentional, incidental

3. not direct in action or procedure:

   His methods are indirect but not dishonest.

4. not straightforward; devious; deceitful:

   He is known as a shady, indirect fellow.

5. not direct in bearing, application, force, etc.:

   indirect evidence.

6. Grammar. of, relating to, or characteristic of indirect discourse:

   an indirect quote.

7. not descending in a direct line of succession, as a title or inheritance.

indirect

/ ˌɪndɪˈrɛkt /

adjective

1. deviating from a direct course or line; roundabout; circuitous
2. not coming as a direct effect or consequence; secondary

   indirect benefits

3. not straightforward, open, or fair; devious or evasive

   an indirect insult

4. (of a title or an inheritance) not inherited in an unbroken line of succession from father to son

Derived Forms

• ˌindiˈrectness, noun
• ˌindiˈrectly, adverb

Other Words From

• in·di·rect·ly adverb
• in·di·rect·ness noun
• sem·i-in·di·rect adjective
• sem·i-in·di·rect·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indirect¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; a Middle English word from the Medieval Latin word indīrēctus; in- ³, direct

Example Sentences

While there's little direct evidence of such garments, there is indirect evidence in the form of bone needles and the bones of fur-bearers whose pelts were used in the garments.

From Science Daily

The main causes are the loss of habitat and food in landscapes shaped by humans as well as a high number of direct or indirect incidents of poisoning.

From Science Daily

Qatar has hosted Hamas’s political bureau since 2012 and played a key role in facilitating indirect negotiations between the group and Israel.

From BBC

"The pattern of regular attacks – direct or indirect – against peacekeepers must end immediately," the statement said.

From BBC

"A president has influence over both fiscal policy and monetary policy, but the influence is indirect," said Michael Walden, a Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University.

From Salon

Related Words

• ambiguous
• ancillary
• circuitous
• implied
• incidental
• oblique
• tortuous