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

Other Word Forms

• indirectly adverb
• indirectness noun
• semi-indirect adjective
• semi-indirectness 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

All eyes are on Egypt as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel on the war in Gaza are set to begin on Monday, with the US and Israel pushing for the swift release of hostages.

From BBC

They also said the president's direct and indirect influence over the Higher Committee and the electoral colleges rendered the elections "symbolic at best, devoid of their democratic purpose of ensuring representation and accountability".

From BBC

However, the judgement found while this information gave "some indirect support " to the case put forward by Skat - it did not prove the tax authority's case.

From BBC

It was not direct blocking but rather indirect crowding of where the opponent may want to go by running a pre-determined path like the NFL's rub routes.

From BBC

Qatar has hosted the Hamas political bureau since 2012 and has served along with the US and Egypt as a mediator in indirect negotiations between the group and Israel throughout the 23-month war in Gaza.

From BBC

Related Words

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