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

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

"A president has influence over both fiscal policy and monetary policy, but the influence is indirect," said Walden.

From Salon

Related Words

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