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

"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

Her colleague suggested they publish a report on the cat cases “to inform others about the potential for indirect transmission to companion animals.”

From Salon

These facilities are expected to create around 6,000 jobs, more than 20,000 construction jobs and tens of thousands of indirect supplier jobs.

From Salon

“If our businesses make money because of increased tourism, if our hotels make money, we get indirect benefits through sales tax and transit occupancy tax,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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