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.

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