adjective \ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -(ˌ)dī-\

Definition of INDIRECT

:  not direct: as
(2) :  not going straight to the point <an indirect accusation> (3) :  being or involving proof of a proposition or theorem by demonstration that its negation leads to an absurdity or contradiction
b :  not straightforward and open :  deceitful
c :  not directly aimed at or achieved <indirect consequences>
d :  stating what a real or supposed original speaker said with changes in wording that conform the statement grammatically to the sentence in which it is included <indirect discourse> <an indirect question>
e :  not effected by the action of the people or the electorate <indirect government representation>
in·di·rect·ly \-ˈrek(t)-lē\ adverb
in·di·rect·ness \-nəs\ noun

Examples of INDIRECT

  1. We took an indirect route.
  2. These plants grow best in bright indirect light.
  4. They used indirect methods of investigation.
  5. There were many indirect references to his earlier books.
  9. He said that he would call later, is an example of indirect speech since his actual words were I'll call later.
  10. an indirect question such as She asked whether the doctor had arrived

Origin of INDIRECT

First Known Use: 14th century


adjective \ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -dī-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of INDIRECT

: not direct: as a : not resulting directly from an action or cause (as a disease) <indirect effects of malaria> b : involving intermediate or intervening parts or pathways <stimulation of one eye elicits narrowing of the pupil of the other eye by an indirect reaction> <indirect attachment of a muscle through tendons>
indirectly adverb


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