indirect

/,indi'rekt/
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indirect

The new policy had many indirect effects on the local economy.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Not direct in cause, connection, or result: Describes something that is not the immediate or primary cause, link, or outcome, but rather occurs through an intervening step or factor.
    • Not straightforward in manner or language: Describes communication or behavior that is not open, frank, or explicit; it may be evasive, roundabout, or implied.
    • Not following a straight line or path: Describes a route, course, or spatial relationship that is not straight, involving turns or detours.
    • Not lineal or direct in familial descent: Describes a family relationship that is not in a direct line of descent (e.g., from parent to child) but through a common ancestor.
Examples of Usage
  • Not direct in cause or result:

    • The tax increase had an indirect effect on consumer spending.
    • She gained indirect benefits from her friend's success.
  • Not straightforward in manner or language:

    • He made an indirect criticism of the management's policy.
    • Her indirect way of asking for a favor made the request unclear.
  • Not following a straight path:

    • We took an indirect route through the countryside to avoid traffic.
    • The indirect flight had a layover in Chicago.
  • Not direct in familial descent:

    • He is an indirect descendant of the royal family, related through a cousin's line.
Advanced Usage
  • "Indirect evidence": Evidence that does not directly prove a fact but from which the fact may be inferred.

    • The prosecutor's case was based largely on indirect evidence.
  • "Indirect object" (Grammar): A noun phrase referring to someone or something that is affected by the action of a verb but is not the primary object (e.g., 'her' in "I gave her a book").

    • In the sentence "Tell me a story," 'me' is the indirect object.
Variants and Related Words
  • Indirectly (adverb): In an indirect manner.

    • She was indirectly responsible for the project's success.
  • Indirection (noun): Lack of straightforwardness; the use of indirect means or methods.

    • His answer was full of evasive indirection.
Synonyms
  • Roundabout: Not following a direct route; circuitous.
  • Circuitous: Longer than the most direct way.
  • Implied: Suggested without being directly stated.
  • Collateral (in the context of lineage): Descended from the same ancestor but not in a direct line.
Antonyms
  • Direct: Straightforward; without intervening factors; in a straight line.
  • Explicit: Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion.
  • Straight: Extending or moving uniformly in one direction; without a curve or bend.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • Indirect approach: A method of dealing with something in a roundabout or non-confrontational way.

    • Diplomats often use an indirect approach to resolve sensitive issues.
  • Indirect cost/expense: An expense (like utilities or administrative salaries) that is not directly tied to the production of a specific good or service.

    • Rent is considered an indirect cost for the factory.
indirect

The new policy had many indirect effects on the local economy.

Adjective
  1. not as a direct effect or consequence
    • indirect benefits
    • an indirect advantage
  2. extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action
    • making indirect but legitimate inquiries
    • an indirect insult
    • doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind
    • though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest
    • known as a shady indirect fellow
  3. descended from a common ancestor but through different lines
    • cousins are collateral relatives
    • an indirect descendant of the Stuarts
  4. not direct in spatial dimension; not leading by a straight line or course to a destination
    • sometimes taking an indirect path saves time
    • you must take an indirect course in sailing
  5. having intervening factors or persons or influences
    • reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light
    • indirect evidence
    • an indirect cause