Indirect: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when information or action is not expressed in a straightforward manner. This is often used in communication to be polite or to soften criticism.

• He gave an indirect answer to avoid hurting her feelings
• The message was communicated in an indirect way

Used when something happens without it being planned or done on purpose. This word is often associated with apologies or mistakes.

• Her comment was unintentional, and she apologized immediately
• The mistake was unintentional and won't happen again

Used to denote something that is less important or comes after something else in priority or order. Common in discussions about priorities and dependencies.

• My secondary goal is to learn Spanish; my primary goal is to graduate
• Environmental concerns are secondary to economic stability in this policy

Used to describe something that happens as a minor part of something else or by chance. Often used to refer to side effects or minor occurrences during a main event.

• The cost of postage is incidental to the overall expense
• There were incidental damages during the construction

Used to describe communication or action that is not straightforward or explicit. Often used in contexts where someone wants to avoid direct confrontation or provide a hint or suggestion.

• She gave an indirect answer when asked about her plans
• The feedback was indirect but meaningful

Employed to describe a route or manner of speaking that is longer than the most straightforward way, often intentionally to avoid the main point. It can suggest a more deliberate and slow approach.

• He explained the issue circuitously, taking a long time to get to the main point
• The road wound circuitously through the mountains

Used to indicate that something is understood or implied without being stated outright. It often refers to trust or understanding that does not need to be explicitly communicated.

• She trusted him implicitly
• The rules were implicitly understood by everyone in the room

Refers to a way of saying or doing something that avoids the direct approach, usually to evade or soften the impact. This term carries a somewhat negative connotation, as it can imply a lack of straightforwardness.

• He took a very roundabout way of explaining his point
• Instead of giving a direct answer, she replied in a roundabout manner