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indirect

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˌɪndɝˈɛkt// UK //ɪndaɪɹˈɛkt// in·di·rect
  1. 1 not straight (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    following a path that is not straight or the shortest way.

    deviating from a straight line or the most direct course.

    Example

    We took an indirect route through the woods to avoid the heavy traffic on the main road.

    Example

    The hikers chose an indirect path along the ridge, sacrificing speed for a more gradual incline and better views of the valley.
  2. 2 not saying something clearly (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    avoiding saying something directly or clearly.

    not straightforward in communication; avoiding a direct statement or confrontation.

    Example

    She gave an indirect answer because she didn't want to hurt his feelings.

    Example

    The diplomat used indirect language to signal his country's displeasure without causing a formal break in negotiations.
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  1. 3 secondary or side effect (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    happening as a result of something else, but not immediately or obviously.

    resulting from a cause through an intermediary agent or as a secondary consequence.

    Example

    The new law had an indirect effect on the price of groceries.

    Example

    While the factory closure caused immediate job losses, the indirect impact on local small businesses was equally devastating over the following year.
  2. 4 indirect cost (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    a business cost that is not tied to a specific product, like rent or electricity.

    an expense that is not directly accountable to a specific cost object, such as a particular project or product.

    Example

    The company needs to reduce its indirects to stay profitable this quarter.

    Example

    The auditor noted that the allocation of indirects was inconsistent across the various manufacturing departments.
  3. 5 to dereference (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    to access data using a pointer or a reference rather than the data itself.

    to access a value or memory location by means of indirection; to dereference a pointer.

    Example

    The program will indirect through the pointer to find the actual value.

    Example

    The compiler must indirect the address twice to retrieve the data stored in the nested structure.
    • dereference
Origin

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

Word family

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