ENGLISH
REFERENCE

indirect

adj.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˌɪndɝˈɛkt// UK //ɪndaɪɹˈɛkt// in·di·rect Archaic General-service

adj. not going straight to a place or a point. You use this to describe a path that turns or a way of speaking that does not say things clearly and directly.

adj. deviating from a straight line or course; not straightforward in manner or expression. Often used to describe secondary effects or results that are not the immediate consequence of an action.


SIMPLE

We took an indirect route to the park to see the river.

CONTEXTUAL

The tax increase had an indirect effect on the price of groceries across the country.

COMPLEX

While the CEO avoided a direct confrontation, her indirect remarks during the meeting signaled a significant shift in the company's long-term strategy.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French indirect, from Late Latin indirectus (“not direct”).

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; frequently contrasted with 'direct'.

© 2026 English Reference