indirect Meaning & Definition
What Does Indirect Mean?
Indirect is used as an adjective meaning Not direct: Not of obvious or immediate cause, but as a secondary result. It is also used to mean Not of obvious or immediate cause, but as a secondary result. As a noun, it means An indirect cost. As a verb, it means To access by means of indirection; to dereference.
Indirect at a Glance
| Part of speech | adjective, noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˌɪn.daɪˈɹɛkt/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Synonyms | oblique, askance and collateral |
| Antonyms | direct and lineal |
| Plural | indirects |
| Comparative / superlative | more indirect, most indirect |
| Verb forms | indirects, indirecting, indirected |
Indirect Definition (Adjective)
- Not direct:
Not of obvious or immediate cause, but as a secondary result.
The direct result of socialising every day in the bars may be happiness and meeting new people, but the indirect results could be addiction, or even poverty.
- Not of obvious or immediate cause, but as a secondary result.
The direct result of socialising every day in the bars may be happiness and meeting new people, but the indirect results could be addiction, or even poverty.
- Not focused straight at the target or subject; whose true aim appears secondary or obscure.
- Not involving the quickest, shortest, or most convenient path; oblique.
In an effort to beat the traffic jams, they opted to take an indirect route to their destination.
- Employing argument by contradiction; making use the law of the excluded middle; arguing via the contrapositive.
- Figuratively Not straightforward, fair, or honest; corrupt.
- Not straightforward, fair, or honest; corrupt.
Indirect as a Noun
- An indirect cost.
- An indirect radiator.
Indirect as a Verb
- To access by means of indirection; to dereference.
Adjective
- Not direct; roundabout.
Synonyms of Indirect
Antonyms of Indirect
Indirect in a Sentence
The direct result of socialising every day in the bars may be happiness and meeting new people, but the indirect results could be addiction, or even poverty.
While not mentioning any of their competitors by name, the CEO made some indirect statements that they were acting immorally.
Se asked him some indirect questions to ascertain whether he was single.
In an effort to beat the traffic jams, they opted to take an indirect route to their destination.
Word Forms & Grammar
indirect (comparative more indirect, superlative most indirect)
indirect (plural indirects)
indirect (third-person singular simple present indirects, present participle indirecting, simple past and past participle indirected)
Words That Rhyme With Indirect
Origin of Indirect
From Middle French indirect, from Late Latin indirectus (“not direct”).
How to Pronounce Indirect
Indirect is pronounced /ˌɪn.daɪˈɹɛkt/ and has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the third syllable (ɹɛkt).
Indirect: Your Questions Answered
Is indirect an adjective or a noun?
Indirect is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun and a verb.
What is another word for indirect?
Close synonyms of indirect are oblique, askance and collateral. See the full list of indirect synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of indirect?
The plural of indirect is indirects.
What is the past tense of indirect?
The past tense of indirect is indirected. The present participle is indirecting.