indirect

IPA/ˌɪndəˈrekt/
KK[ˌɪndɚˈɛkt]IPA/ˌɪndəˈrekt/

indirect — adjective

  • indirectpositive
  • more indirectcomparative
  • most indirectsuperlative

1. existing or happening as an extra and often unintended result of an action, rath

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

existing or happening as an extra and often unintended result of an action, rather than as the main effect that was planned.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • indirect effect
  • indirect result
  • indirect impact
  • indirect benefit
  • indirect cost
  • indirect consequence
  • indirect pressure
Synonyms
  • 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

Antonyms
  • direct

    the straightforward opposite — a direct result follows immediately and obviously from its cause

Grammar Patterns

indirect + noun (effect, result, impact, benefit, cost)

Usage Note

Often used with nouns describing effects or outcomes (effect, result, impact, consequence, benefit, cost, pressure). The indirect result may be positive, negative, or neutral.

Common Mistakes

The storm caused an indirect damage to the roof.
The storm caused indirect damage to the roof.
No 'an' before 'indirect' when the noun is uncountable ('damage'). Use 'an' only before singular countable nouns like 'an indirect effect'.

2. avoiding saying something plainly; expressed in a roundabout way that leaves the

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

avoiding saying something plainly; expressed in a roundabout way that leaves the real meaning unclear or only hinted at.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • indirect answer
  • indirect criticism
  • indirect hint
  • indirect question
  • indirect refusal
  • indirect reference
  • indirect remark
  • indirect way of saying
Synonyms
  • 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

Antonyms
  • direct

    saying exactly what you mean without hesitation or hiding

  • straightforward

    emphasises clarity and honesty in communication

Grammar Patterns

indirect + noun (answer, criticism, hint, refusal, question)

be indirect about [something]

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

He was indirect about to answer the question.
He was indirect when answering the question.' or 'He gave an indirect answer to the question.
'indirect about' must be followed by a noun or gerund, not an infinitive.
She made an indirect that she was unhappy.
She made an indirect remark that she was unhappy.' or 'She gave an indirect hint that she was unhappy.
'indirect' is an adjective and cannot stand alone as a noun.

3. not going by the shortest or straightest way from one place to another; using a

3.adjectiveB1
Definition

not going by the shortest or straightest way from one place to another; using a longer, more winding, or multi-stop route.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • indirect route
  • indirect path
  • indirect way
  • indirect flight
  • indirect course
  • indirect road
Synonyms
  • 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

Antonyms
  • direct

    going straight from start to finish without detours or stops

  • non-stop

    specifically for travel — a non-stop flight goes directly to the destination

Grammar Patterns

indirect + noun (route, path, way, flight, course)

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

We went on an indirect way to the station.
We took an indirect way to the station.
The common collocation is 'take an indirect route/way/path', not 'go on an indirect way'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe something that is not the main or primary effect, but they differ in nuance. 'Indirect' focuses on the chain of causation: the result is one or more steps removed from the cause, but still connected. 'Secondary' emphasises rank or importance — a secondary effect matters less than the primary one, but it may be directly caused. 'Incidental' suggests something that happens by chance alongside a main activity; it feels more accidental and less causally connected than 'indirect'. 'Collateral' is the most formal and specific, often used in technical or legal contexts (e.g. 'collateral damage' in military language), carrying a sense of unavoidable side effects. In everyday use, 'indirect' is the broadest and most neutral choice. For example, you would say 'the indirect effects of the new law on small shops', but you would not say 'the collateral effects' unless writing a formal report.

indirect ↗secondary ↗incidental ↗collateral ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • in an indirect way
  • by indirect means

Etymology

LatinMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word comes from Latin 'indirectus', formed by adding the negative prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') to 'directus' (meaning 'straight, direct'). It entered English in the late Middle Ages, originally used for physical paths and courses, later extended to figurative meanings about causation and communication.