English Meaning & Definitions
Not straight or direct; deviating from a direct line, course, or method.
- “We took an indirect route to avoid the heavy traffic on the highway.”
- “The satellite transmits signals through an indirect path around the globe.”
Not resulting directly from an action or cause, but secondary or incidental.
- “A sudden drop in temperature was an indirect effect of the volcanic eruption.”
- “The policy change had several indirect consequences for local businesses.”
Not expressed clearly or plainly; roundabout or circuitous in speech or action.
- “She gave an indirect answer when asked about her future plans.”
- “He made an indirect hint that it was time for us to leave.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “indirect”.
Derived from Late Latin 'indirectus', from the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not' or 'in') combined with 'directus' (past participle of 'dirigere', meaning 'to direct' or 'straighten'). It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe things that do not follow a straight path or a direct line of causation.
Think of 'in-' (not) + 'direct' (straight). Something indirect does not go straight to the point or destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About “indirect”
1. What is the meaning of “indirect” in English?
In English, indirect (adjective) is defined as: “Not straight or direct; deviating from a direct line, course, or method.”.
2. How do you use “indirect” in a sentence?
“We took an indirect route to avoid the heavy traffic on the highway.”
3. What are English synonyms of “indirect”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “indirect”?
Derived from Late Latin 'indirectus', from the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not' or 'in') combined with 'directus' (past participle of 'dirigere', meaning 'to direct' or 'straighten'). It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe things that do not follow a straight path or a direct line of causation.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
View all English words →The base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), equal to the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom.
A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.