ENGLISH
REFERENCE

indirectly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪndɝˈɛktˌɫi// UK //ɪndaɪɹˈɛktli// in·di·rect·ly

adv. in a way that is not straight or direct. You use this when something happens as a result of something else, rather than being the main cause.

adv. in a circuitous or roundabout manner; not as a direct result or through a straight line of communication.


SIMPLE

The news reached me indirectly through a friend.

CONTEXTUAL

The tax increase will indirectly affect the price of groceries because transport costs will rise for the suppliers.

COMPLEX

By focusing on employee well-being, the CEO indirectly improved the company's profit margins through higher retention rates and increased daily productivity.

Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English inderectely, indirectly, equivalent to indirect + -ly or in- + directly.

Usage

Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause; can also modify adjectives.

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