Definitions for indirect
ˌɪn dəˈrɛkt, -daɪ-in·di·rect

Princeton's WordNet(3.25 / 4 votes)Rate this definition:

1. indirectadjective

   having intervening factors or persons or influences

   "reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light"; "indirect evidence"; "an indirect cause"

2. indirectadjective

   not direct in spatial dimension; not leading by a straight line or course to a destination

   "sometimes taking an indirect path saves time"; "you must take an indirect course in sailing"

3. collateral, indirectadjective

   descended from a common ancestor but through different lines

   "cousins are collateral relatives"; "an indirect descendant of the Stuarts"

4. indirectadjective

   extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action

   "making indirect but legitimate inquiries"; "an indirect insult"; "doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind"; "though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest"; "known as a shady indirect fellow"

5. indirectadjective

   not as a direct effect or consequence

   "indirect benefits"; "an indirect advantage"

Wiktionary(1.00 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. indirectadjective

   Not direct; roundabout; deceiving; setting a trap; confusing.

Webster Dictionary(1.00 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Indirectadjective

   not direct; not straight or rectilinear; deviating from a direct line or course; circuitous; as, an indirect road

   Etymology: [Pref. in- not + direct: cf. F. indirect.]

2. Indirectadjective

   not tending to an aim, purpose, or result by the plainest course, or by obvious means, but obliquely or consequentially; by remote means; as, an indirect accusation, attack, answer, or proposal

   Etymology: [Pref. in- not + direct: cf. F. indirect.]

3. Indirectadjective

   not straightforward or upright; unfair; dishonest; tending to mislead or deceive

   Etymology: [Pref. in- not + direct: cf. F. indirect.]

4. Indirectadjective

   not resulting directly from an act or cause, but more or less remotely connected with or growing out of it; as, indirect results, damages, or claims

   Etymology: [Pref. in- not + direct: cf. F. indirect.]

5. Indirectadjective

   not reaching the end aimed at by the most plain and direct method; as, an indirect proof, demonstration, etc

   Etymology: [Pref. in- not + direct: cf. F. indirect.]

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(3.00 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Indirect

   in-di-rekt′, adj. not direct or straight: not lineal or in direct succession: not related in the natural way, oblique: not straightforward or honest.—adv. Indirect′ly.—ns. Indirect′ness, Indirec′tion (Shak.), indirect course or means, dishonest practice.—Indirect evidence, or testimony, circumstantial or inferential evidence; Indirect object (gram.), a substantive word dependent on a verb less immediately than an accusative governed by it; Indirect syllogism (logic), a syllogism which can be made more cogent and useful by the process called reduction.

Entomology(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Indirect

   applied to metamorphosis = complete.

British National Corpus

1. Adjectives Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'indirect' in Adjectives Frequency: #738

How to pronounce indirect?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say indirect in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of indirect in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of indirect in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1

Examples of indirect in a Sentence

1. Fawaz Gerges:

   We were hoping that a diplomatic solution could be found to the Syrian crisis in the next few months. Forget about it, we were hoping for a diplomatic solution in Yemen. Forget about it. ... Here, you have the two most powerful Islamic states in the heart of the Middle East now basically waging a direct confrontation, as opposed to an indirect war by proxy, so ... we should be really alarmed at the escalation of the confrontation.

2. Ehsan Sehgal:

   We are still slaves, facing colonialists and their pawns, direct or indirect, in the package of so-called democracies.

3. Lindred Greer:

   Similar to any form of aggressive behavior, direct or indirect, it is contagious and can sink performance.

4. Michael Stern:

   The aggressive position he (Trump) took in the impeachment trial could have an indirect impact in the courts.

5. Caio Carvalho:

   This is plainly a policy directed at Petrobras, that will have an indirect positive impact on the sugar sector.

Popularity rank by frequency of use