indirect

adjective

in·​di·​rect ˌin-də-ˈrekt 

-(ˌ)dī-

: not direct: such as

a(1)

: deviating from a direct line or course : roundabout

(2)

: not going straight to the point

an indirect accusation

(3)

: being or involving proof of a proposition or theorem by demonstration that its negation leads to an absurdity or contradiction

b

: not straightforward and open : deceitful

c

: not directly aimed at or achieved

indirect consequences

d

: stating what a real or supposed original speaker said with changes in wording that conform the statement grammatically to the sentence in which it is included

indirect discourse

an indirect question

e

: not effected by the action of the people or the electorate

indirect government representation

indirectly

ˌin-də-ˈrekt-lē 

-(ˌ)dī-

adverb

indirectness

ˌin-də-ˈrekt-nəs 

-(ˌ)dī-

noun

Synonyms

• circuitous
• circular
• roundabout

Examples of indirect in a Sentence

We took an indirect route.

These plants grow best in bright indirect light.

He gave only vague, indirect answers to our questions.

They used indirect methods of investigation.

There were many indirect references to his earlier books.

Looking at her watch was her indirect way of telling him it was time to leave.

Poor nutrition may have been an indirect cause of the disease.

The cigarette stubs were indirect evidence that someone had been smoking in the room.

“He said that he would call later,” is an example of indirect speech since his actual words were “I'll call later.”

an indirect question such as “She asked whether the doctor had arrived”

Recent Examples on the Web

They were supposed to begin indirect talks over the second phase last week, including negotiating an end to the war, the release of the remaining living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. —Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025

The president then threw some indirect shade at Intel, which also sources some of its chips from TSMC. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 13 Feb. 2025

Place the vase in a spot with bright, indirect light. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Feb. 2025

Typically, institutions undergo an exacting process to renegotiate their indirect rates every four years, factoring in components such as general, departmental, and program administration, building and equipment depreciation, interest, operations and maintenance, and library expenses. —Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin indirectus, from Latin in- + directus direct — more at dress

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing indirect

• indirect cost
• indirect evidence
• indirect lighting
• indirect object

Rhymes for indirect

• architect
• circumspect
• deselect
• dialect
• disconnect
• disinfect
• disrespect
• incorrect
• intellect
• interject
• intersect
• pluperfect

Kids Definition

indirect

adjective

in·​di·​rect ˌin-də-ˈrekt 

-dī-

1

: not straight or direct

an indirect route

2

: not straightforward

indirect methods

an indirect answer

3

: not having a plainly seen connection

an indirect cause

4

: stating what an original speaker said with changes in wording that make the statement fit grammatically with the rest of the sentence

"that he would call" in "He said that he would call" is in indirect discourse

indirectly adverb

indirectness

-ˈrek(t)-nəs 

noun

Medical Definition

indirect

adjective

in·​di·​rect ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -dī- 

1

: not direct: as

a

: not resulting directly from an action or cause (as a disease)

indirect effects of malaria

b

: involving intermediate or intervening parts or pathways

stimulation of one eye elicits narrowing of the pupil of the other eye by an indirect reaction

indirect attachment of a muscle through tendons

2

: involving or being immunofluorescence in which antibodies of two kinds are used of which the first combine with a specific protein and the second contain a fluorescent label and combine with the antibodies of the first type

indirectly adverb