indirect

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Not going straight to the place or point, but taking a longer or winding way.

   Grammar: Can describe a path or route: an indirect route.

   Patterns

   • an indirect route
   • by an indirect path

   We took an indirect route to avoid the highway.

   The flight was indirect, with two stops on the way.

   The river follows an indirect course through the hills.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Happening as a secondary result, rather than being the main or immediate cause.

   Grammar: Used before nouns such as effect, cost, or cause.

   Patterns

   • an indirect effect
   • indirect costs

   Cheaper fuel had an indirect effect on food prices.

   Smoking is an indirect cause of many health costs.

   The charity felt the indirect results of the new tax.

3. 3adjectivecomparable

   Not stating something plainly; hinting rather than saying outright.

   Grammar: Describes speech or manner: an indirect answer.

   Patterns

   • an indirect answer
   • be indirect about something

   Her indirect reply made it hard to know what she wanted.

   He gave an indirect hint that he wanted to leave early.

   In some cultures it is polite to be indirect when saying no.

Word forms

Common combinations

indirect route

The bus takes an indirect route around the lake.

indirect effect

Climate change has an indirect effect on food supply.

indirect speech

Reported statements are written in indirect speech.

indirect lighting

Indirect lighting makes the room feel warmer.

indirect tax

Sales tax is an indirect tax paid when you buy things.

indirect question

'I wonder where she is' is an indirect question.

Synonyms and how they differ

roundabout

Roundabout is informal and mostly describes a longer way of getting somewhere or saying something, whereas indirect is more neutral.

circuitous

Circuitous is formal and emphasizes a winding, looping path, which is stronger than indirect.

secondary

Secondary means second in importance, while indirect stresses that the result comes through other steps.

oblique

Oblique suggests a slanting or evasive approach and sounds more literary than indirect.

Opposites

Word family

indirectly adverb

in a roundabout or secondary way

indirectness noun

the quality of being indirect

direct adjective

straight, immediate, or plainly stated

directness noun

the quality of being plainly stated

Commonly confused: indirect or indirect object?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “indirect”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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