indirect

/ˌɪndəˈrekt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪndəˈrekt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-də-ˈrekt -(ˌ)dī-/ (ame, mw)

indirect — 形容詞

  • indirectpositive
  • more indirectcomparative
  • most indirectsuperlative

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

1.形容詞B2
釋義

間接的

非直接引起的結果或影響

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

例句

The factory closing had an indirect effect on local shops and restaurants nearby.

那家工廠的關閉對當地的商店和餐廳產生了間接影響。

indirect effect on [something]

Ravindra's charity work brought indirect benefits to the whole community over time.

Ravindra 的慈善工作為整個社區帶來了長期的間接益處。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

❌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.形容詞B2
釋義

委婉的

不直接說明的表述方式

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

例句

Daichi gave an indirect answer when his boss asked about another job.

Daichi 在老闆問起另一份工作時，給了一個委婉的回答。

indirect answer to [question]

Amira's indirect criticism of the plan was obvious to everyone in the meeting room.

Amira 對該計畫的間接批評，在會議室裡所有人都看得出來。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

❌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.形容詞B1
釋義

繞道的

非直線或非直達的路線

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

例句

We took an indirect route through the mountains to avoid the highway traffic.

我們走了一條繞過山區的路線，避開高速公路的車流。

indirect route

The bus follows an indirect path that passes through three small villages.

這班公車行經一條蜿蜒的路線，穿過三個小村莊。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

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.

常見錯誤

❌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'.