Indirect

Pronunciation: /ˌɪn.dəˈrɛkt/

Definitions of indirect

adjective describing something that is not done or communicated directly, but through a third party or intermediary

Example Sentences

A1 She gave me an indirect answer to my question.

A2 The indirect route took us through the scenic countryside.

B1 He used indirect language to hint at his true feelings.

B2 The indirect consequences of his actions were unforeseen.

C1 The politician's speech was filled with indirect references to his opponent.

C2 The detective used indirect methods to gather evidence without arousing suspicion.

Examples of indirect in a Sentence

formal The report highlighted the indirect impact of climate change on global food security.

informal She gave me an indirect answer when I asked about her plans for the weekend.

slang He was being super shady and indirect about where he got the money from.

figurative Her indirect approach to problem-solving often leads to creative solutions.

Grammatical Forms of indirect

• past tense: indirected
• plural: indirects
• comparative: more indirect
• superlative: most indirect
• present tense: indirect
• future tense: will indirect
• perfect tense: have indirected
• continuous tense: is indirecting
• singular: indirect
• positive degree: indirect
• infinitive: to indirect
• gerund: indirecting
• participle: indirecting

Origin and Evolution of indirect

First Known Use: 0015 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'indirect' originated from the Latin word 'indirectus', which is a combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'directus' meaning 'straight' or 'straightforward'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'indirect' has retained its original meaning of not being straightforward or direct, but it has also taken on additional connotations related to subtle or covert methods of communication or action.