Indirect
/ˌɪndəˈrekt/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot directly caused or resulting from something; not straightforward or to the point.
/ˌɪndəˈrekt/
Not going straight to the point; not straightforward.
The company's efforts to expand sales had an indirect effect on employment.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to tell your friend a secret, but you don't want to blurt it out. You might hint at it, or tell it to someone else who will tell your friend. That's indirect!
👶 For kids: When something doesn't go straight from one thing to another, it's indirect. Like a hint instead of saying something directly.
More Examples
The politician gave an indirect answer, avoiding the question.
She learned of the news indirectly through a mutual friend.
How It's Used
"Indirect costs are expenses not directly tied to producing goods or services."
"The ambassador made an indirect reference to the political situation."
Not resulting immediately from a cause; not directly caused or resulting from something.
/ˌɪndəˈrekt/
Not directly related to something; not caused by something in a direct way.
The recession had an indirect effect on the housing market.
💡 Simply: If you're reading a book and a character's decision causes a different character to take action, that's an indirect effect. The first character didn't act on the second one directly.
👶 For kids: When one thing happens, and that makes something else happen, but not right away, it's indirect.
More Examples
His actions had an indirect impact on the company's profits.
The government's policies have indirect consequences for the environment.
How It's Used
"Indirect contact with a sick person can spread the flu."
"The tax has an indirect impact on consumer spending."
Idioms & expressions
indirectly related
Having a connection that is not immediately obvious, or not a direct connection.
"His family's wealth was indirectly related to the success of the railroad."
From Latin *indirectus* meaning 'not straight, not direct', from *in-* (not) + *directus* (direct).
Used in legal and philosophical contexts since the 15th century, often concerning reasoning and influence.
Memory tip
Think of a roundabout route instead of a straight line. Indirect is a longer path.