Meaning & Definition of Indirect in English

1. Having intervening factors or persons or influences

• "Reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light"

• "Indirect evidence"

• "An indirect cause"

2. 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. Descended from a common ancestor but through different lines

• "Cousins are collateral relatives"

• "An indirect descendant of the stuarts"

4. 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. Not as a direct effect or consequence

• "Indirect benefits"

• "An indirect advantage"