Indirection: meaning, definitions and examples
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indirection
[ ˌɪndɪˈrɛkʃən ]
communication method
Indirection refers to the practice of conveying a message or instruction not straightforwardly or directly. It is often used in contexts where subtlety or indirect methods are preferred or required. This technique can help in avoiding confrontation or discomfort by softening the delivery of important information. In computer programming and mathematics, indirection can describe a way to reference data indirectly through pointers or references. Overall, the concept suggests a route that is not direct but may lead to the intended outcome.
Synonyms
circumlocution, delicacy, obliqueness, roundaboutness
Examples of usage
- He used indirection to hint at his true feelings.
- In negotiations, indirection can be key to finding common ground.
- The game was full of challenges that required indirection to solve.
- Indirection in programming helps improve code flexibility.
Translations
Translations of the word "indirection" in other languages:
🇵🇹 indireção
🇮🇳 अप्रत्यक्षता
🇩🇪 Indirektion
🇮🇩 indireksi
🇺🇦 непрямий шлях
🇵🇱 indykcja
🇯🇵 間接
🇫🇷 indirection
🇪🇸 indirección
🇹🇷 dolaylılık
🇰🇷 간접
🇸🇦 تحويل غير مباشر
🇨🇿 nepřímá cesta
🇸🇰 nepriamy
🇨🇳 间接
🇸🇮 indirekt
🇮🇸 óbeinn
🇰🇿 жанама
🇬🇪 არაპირდაპირი
🇦🇿 dolaylı
🇲🇽 indirección
Etymology
The word 'indirection' originated in the late Middle English period, deriving from the Latin term 'indirectio'. This term itself comprises 'in-', meaning 'not', and 'directio', meaning 'a guiding or setting straight' from the verb 'dirigere'. In its initial usage, it referred to a lack of directness in speech or action, often implying a deviation from a straightforward path or approach. By the 16th century, indirection had entered common use in English literature and philosophy to describe both communication styles and strategic methods in various disciplines. Over time, this concept evolved to encompass broader applications, particularly in science and technology, where 'indirection' now frequently describes methods of referencing data or objects indirectly, allowing for greater abstraction and flexibility in design.