indirect proof

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noun

an argument for a proposition that shows its negation to be incompatible with a previously accepted or established premise.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Words nearby indirect proof

indirect labour, indirect lighting, indirectly, indirect object, indirect primary, indirect proof, indirect question, indirect speech, indirect tax, indiscernible, indiscerptible

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use indirect proof in a sentence

Park employees helped John quit tobacco by way of a butts-proof glass enclosure, a drastic change in diet, and regular exercise.
Zebra Finches, Dolphins, Elephants, and More Animals Under the Influence|Bill Schulz|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Although often this is considered proof positive of guilt at trial, it is not an uncommon occurrence in false confessions.
How the U.S. Justice System Screws Prisoners with Disabilities|Elizabeth Picciuto|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And if you want proof of what the country is really all about, just walk through the National September 11 Memorial Museum.
Dick Cheney vs. ‘Unbroken’|Mike Barnicle|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They're also proof that no matter how fancy you are, you can't escape the urge to watch two girls make out.
High-End Pervs Film Benedict Cumberbatch and Reese Witherspoon Sucking Face|Amy Zimmerman|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Without proof of this kind, the story of the lost legions is just a legend.
The Chinese Town Descended From Romans?|Nina Strochlic|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Here convincing proof was given of Mme. Mesdag's accuracy, originality of interpretation, and her skill in the use of color.
Women in the fine arts, from the Seventh Century B.C. to the Twentieth Century A.D.|Clara Erskine Clement
Proof was given to him, of Elizabeth having admitted Ripperda to private political discussions in the Altheim apartments.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
Wasn't the dead man stretched in the shadow convincing proof of their capacity for pure devilishness?
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
For my part, I scarcely know what to say; inasmuch as I do not care either to affirm or deny a thing of which I have no proof.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
If I am proof against my own heart, in so dear a cause, shall I not be proof against the poor allurements of vanity and sense?
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter

British Dictionary definitions for indirect proof

indirect proof

noun

logic maths proof of a conclusion by showing its negation to be self-contradictory; reductio ad absurdumCompare direct (def. 17)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012