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Indirect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indirect

[หŒษชn.dษ™หˆrekt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

communication

Not directly caused by something or resulting from something.

Synonyms

incidental, secondary, unintentional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indirect

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
unintentional

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
secondary

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
incidental

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

Examples of usage

  • It is difficult to determine the indirect consequences of the new policy.
  • She gave me an indirect answer to my question.
Context #2 | Adverb

communication

In a way that is not directly caused by or resulting from something.

Synonyms

circuitously, implicitly, roundabout.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indirect

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
circuitously

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
implicitly

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
roundabout

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

Examples of usage

  • She hinted at it indirectly.
  • He addressed the issue indirectly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Indirect communication can create ambiguity, often leading to misunderstandings.
  • Research shows that some people prefer indirect ways of expressing feelings to avoid confrontations.
  • Indirect expressions can sometimes foster deeper connections, as they require more interpretation.

Literature

  • Many characters in literature use indirect methods to convey their desires or conflicts, enhancing depth and intrigue.
  • Authors often employ indirect narrative techniques, such as unreliable narrators, to engage readers.
  • Indirect dialogue in stories can reveal the true emotions of characters without them stating it explicitly.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows often use indirect humor, where jokes are made through situational irony rather than outright statements.
  • Indirect plot twists are a popular device in movies, where the conclusion is hinted at subtly throughout the story.
  • Song lyrics sometimes communicate feelings indirectly, allowing listeners to interpret the meaning personally.

Education

  • Indirect learning methods, such as guided discovery, encourage students to find answers through exploration rather than direct instruction.
  • Teachers often use indirect questioning to promote critical thinking among students.
  • Indirect feedback can motivate students by highlighting areas for improvement without overt criticism.

Origin of 'indirect'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'indirect' comes from the Latin word 'indirectus,' which combines 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'directus' meaning 'direct'.
  • It has been used in English since the early 15th century, originally describing paths and routes.
  • Over time, its usage expanded to include ways of communication that are not straightforward.

The word 'indirect' originated from the Latin word 'indirectus', which means 'not straight'. It has been used in English since the 15th century. The concept of indirectness has always been present in communication and relationships, highlighting the complexity of human interactions.

See also: bidirectional, direct, directability, directing, direction, directions, directive, directiveness, directives, directly, directness, director, directorial, directors, directory, misdirect, misdirection, undirected.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,831, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.