indirect
/ˌɪndəˈrekt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪndəˈrekt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-də-ˈrekt -(ˌ)dī-/ (ame, mw)
indirect — adjective
- indirectpositive
- more indirectcomparative
- most indirectsuperlative
1. existing or happening as an extra and often unintended result of an action, rath
existing or happening as an extra and often unintended result of an action, rather than as the main effect that was planned.
The factory closing had an indirect effect on local shops and restaurants nearby.
indirect effect on [something]
Ravindra's charity work brought indirect benefits to the whole community over time.
Higher fuel prices can cause an indirect increase in the cost of many goods.
The new policy had an indirect impact on small businesses outside its main target.
Shanti felt the indirect pressure of her parents' hopes though they never said a word.
- secondary
focuses on being of lesser importance rather than on not being planned; 'indirect' implies a chain of causation, while 'secondary' implies a rank order
- incidental
suggests something that happens by chance alongside something more important; more accidental than 'indirect'
- collateral
often used in formal or technical contexts (e.g. collateral damage); carries a stronger sense of being an unavoidable side effect
- direct
the straightforward opposite — a direct result follows immediately and obviously from its cause
文法句型
indirect + noun (effect, result, impact, benefit, cost)
用法筆記
Often used with nouns describing effects or outcomes (effect, result, impact, consequence, benefit, cost, pressure). The indirect result may be positive, negative, or neutral.
常見錯誤
2. avoiding saying something plainly; expressed in a roundabout way that leaves the
avoiding saying something plainly; expressed in a roundabout way that leaves the real meaning unclear or only hinted at.
Daichi gave an indirect answer when his boss asked about another job.
indirect answer to [question]
Amira's indirect criticism of the plan was obvious to everyone in the meeting room.
The letter was full of indirect hints rather than a clear statement of their demands.
Instead of saying no, Esteban made an indirect refusal by mentioning how busy he was.
Lauren was indirect about her feelings, hoping he would guess rather than having to explain.
- roundabout
more informal; emphasises the long, winding route the speaker takes to reach their point
- vague
focuses on lack of clarity rather than deliberate avoidance; 'vague' can come from poor explanation, not just intentional evasion
- evasive
stronger and more negative; suggests the speaker is actively trying to avoid giving a straight answer
- direct
saying exactly what you mean without hesitation or hiding
- straightforward
emphasises clarity and honesty in communication
文法句型
indirect + noun (answer, criticism, hint, refusal, question)
be indirect about [something]
用法筆記
This sense often describes communication that is deliberately vague to avoid conflict, embarrassment, or a direct answer. Common in social, professional, and diplomatic contexts. In some cultures, indirect speech is a sign of politeness rather than dishonesty.
常見錯誤
3. not going by the shortest or straightest way from one place to another; using a
not going by the shortest or straightest way from one place to another; using a longer, more winding, or multi-stop route.
We took an indirect route through the mountains to avoid the highway traffic.
indirect route
The bus follows an indirect path that passes through three small villages.
Kenji found an indirect way to the library through the park and back alleys.
The river takes an indirect course through the valley before reaching the sea.
Hugo booked an indirect flight to Tokyo with a three-hour stop in Seoul.
- roundabout
more informal and often implies unnecessary length; 'a roundabout way' sounds more critical than 'an indirect route'
- winding
describes the physical shape (curving, twisting) rather than the fact of being longer; a winding path may still be the most direct line
- circuitous
more formal; suggests a deliberately long route that goes around rather than through
文法句型
indirect + noun (route, path, way, flight, course)
用法筆記
Used for physical routes, journeys, or paths that are not the shortest possible. Also describes the shape of natural features (rivers, roads, trails). For flights, 'indirect flight' means a connecting flight rather than a non-stop one.