Definition

Noun: 1. Deceitful or evasive action: The use of methods that are not straightforward, honest, or direct; a roundabout or dishonest way of achieving something. 2. An indirect procedure or means: The act of accomplishing a goal or obtaining information through indirect methods, rather than by direct inquiry or action.

Usage and Examples

• Deceitful Action:

  • The politician's speech was full of clever indirection, never directly answering the difficult questions.
  • He was a master of indirection, always getting what he wanted through subtle manipulation rather than open requests.

• Indirect Procedure:

  • She discovered the truth not by asking directly but by a process of careful indirection, observing and piecing together clues.
  • The detective's investigation relied on indirection, gathering information from peripheral sources.

Advanced Usage

• As a concept in computing/programming: While not the primary definition, in computer science, "indirection" refers to accessing data or code indirectly, typically through a reference or pointer, rather than directly. This is a specialized technical usage.
  • The use of pointers in C is a classic example of indirection in programming.

Variants and Related Words

• Indirect (adjective): Not done or proceeding in a direct, straightforward line or manner.
  • an indirect route; an indirect answer
• Indirectly (adverb): In a way that is not direct.
  • He referred to the problem only indirectly.

Synonyms

• Circumlocution: The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.
• Obliqueness: The quality of not being straightforward or direct.
• Deviousness: The quality of being deceitful or not straightforward.
• Evasion: The action of evading something, especially a direct question or duty.

Antonyms

• Directness: The quality of being straightforward and honest.
• Candor: The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.
• Forthrightness: Direct and outspoken; straightforward.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• By indirection: Through indirect means or methods.
  • He found out the secret by indirection, overhearing a conversation.
• A web of indirection: A complex situation created by many indirect, deceitful actions.
  • The scandal was buried under a web of indirection and half-truths.

Noun

1. deceitful action that is not straightforward
   • he could see through the indirections of diplomats
2. indirect procedure or action
   • he tried to find out by indirection