indirect

adjective in·di·rect \ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -(ˌ)dī-\

Definition of INDIRECT

: not direct: as

a (1) : deviating from a direct line or course : roundabout (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

See indirect defined for English-language learners

See indirect defined for kids

Origin of INDIRECT

Middle English, from Medieval Latin indirectus, from Latin in- + directus direct — more at dress

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INDIRECT

Synonyms: circuitous, circular, roundabout

Antonyms: direct, straight, straightforward

Rhymes with INDIRECT

acrolect, architect, birth defect, circumspect, deselect, dialect, disaffect, disconnect, disinfect, disrespect, edge effect, genuflect, grapholect, incorrect, in effect, intellect, interject, intersect, introject, introspect, lake effect, misdirect, preselect, re-collect, recollect, redirect, reelect, resurrect, retrospect, self-respect, side effect, turtlenecked, vivisect

INDIRECTLY Defined for Kids

indirect

adjective in·di·rect \ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -dī-\

Definition of INDIRECT for Kids

: not straight or direct <an indirect route>

: not straightforward <an indirect answer>

: not having a plainly seen connection <an indirect cause>

— in·di·rect·ly adverb

— in·di·rect·ness noun

Medical Dictionary

indirect

adjective in·di·rect \ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -dī-\

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>

: involving or being immunofluorescence in which antibodies of two kinds are used of which the first combine with a specific protein and the second contain a fluorescent label and combine with the antibodies of the first type

—indirectly adverb