indirect
indirect Lexical Profile
indirect Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Occurring as a secondary or unintended consequence rather than as the immediate result or primary aim of an action.
"Higher transportation costs had an indirect effect on the price of fresh produce at the local market."
Not proceeding in a straight line or by the shortest possible course; following a roundabout route.
"Because the main highway was closed for repairs, we had to take an indirect route through the countryside."
Not stated plainly, openly, or explicitly; relying on suggestion, implication, or subtlety.
"She made an indirect reference to the budget shortfall without blaming any specific department."
• Rhymes for indirect
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French indirect or directly from Medieval Latin indirectus ('not direct'), formed from the privative prefix in- ('not') and Latin directus ('straight, direct'), the past participle of dirigere ('to set straight').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.