Indirect (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Not direct in spatial dimension; not leading by a straight line or course to a destination; "sometimes taking an indirect path saves time"; "you must take an indirect course in sailing".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The indirect route through the mountains was actually faster than the direct route due to traffic congestion.
- The flight from New York to Los Angeles had an indirect route that involved a layover in Chicago.
- The company's indirect approach to marketing involved partnering with influencers rather than running traditional ads.
- The indirect sunlight in the room was soft and gentle, perfect for reading a book.
- The hikers took an indirect path to the summit, avoiding steep cliffs and rocky terrain.
Antonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action; "making indirect but legitimate inquiries"; "an indirect insult"; "doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind"; "though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest"; "known as a shady indirect fellow".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The company's financial troubles were an indirect result of the economic downturn.
- She made an indirect comment about her sister's appearance, which was perceived as a slight.
- The new policy has had an indirect impact on the local community, leading to increased unemployment.
- His indirect approach to the problem was seen as a weakness by some of his colleagues.
- The artist's use of symbolism and metaphor created an indirect but powerful critique of societal norms.
Antonyms
Meaning 3
Having intervening factors or persons or influences; "reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light"; "indirect evidence"; "an indirect cause".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The company's financial struggles were an indirect result of the economic downturn, rather than a direct consequence of poor management.
- The politician's indirect apology and lack of acknowledgment of wrongdoing sparked widespread outrage.
- The research study relied on indirect methods to measure the participants' cognitive abilities, as direct tests would have been too obvious.
- The artwork's indirect references to ancient mythology added a layer of depth and complexity to its interpretation.
- The heat from the radiator provided indirect warmth to the entire room, making it cozy and comfortable on a cold winter morning.
Meaning 4
Not as a direct effect or consequence; "indirect benefits"; "an indirect advantage".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- Regular exercise has indirect benefits on overall health, including reducing stress and improving sleep.
- An indirect advantage of going to college is making valuable connections and networking.
- The company's move to a nearby town has had indirect effects on the local economy, including increased housing costs.
- Eating a balanced diet has indirect benefits on mental health, such as reducing anxiety and depression.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions has indirect advantages on public health, including decreased air pollution.
Related Words
Meaning 5
Descended from a common ancestor but through different lines; "cousins are collateral relatives"; "an indirect descendant of the Stuarts".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The queen was an indirect descendant of the Stuarts through her father's side of the family.
- Her indirect relationship to the royalty made her a distant heir to the throne.
- The two families were connected through an indirect lineage that went back centuries.
- As an indirect descendant of the original settlers, she was entitled to a land grant.
- The king's indirect relatives were invited to the coronation ceremony as a gesture of goodwill.