From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishindirectin‧di‧rect /ˌɪndəˈrekt◂/ ●●○ adjective1CAUSEnot directly caused by somethingOPP direct
Losing weight is an indirect result of smoking cigarettes.
The indirect effects of climate change may be profound.2WAY/ROUTEan indirect way to a place is not the straightest wayOPP direct
They took an indirect route, avoiding the town centre.3CLEAR/EASY TO UNDERSTANDnot saying or showing something in a clear definite wayOPP direct
George’s comments were an indirect way of blaming me. —indirectly adverb
Perhaps I was indirectly responsible for the misunderstanding.Examples from the Corpusindirect• Avoidnegative words that leave writing vague and indirect.• Measures are developed for indirect areas.• Her language is not indirect at all.• Since he left his wifeRick has only had indirectcontact with his children.• Includes both open-market and privatetransactions involving direct and indirectholdings.• indirect lighting• This result is the first, albeit indirect, observation of gravitationalradiation.• An equivalentdefinition of indirectracediscriminationoccurs in the Race Relations Act 1976.• The cabdriver obviously took the indirectroute to the hotel.• Artificial light suits it very well, but in indirectsunlight it sometimes becomes pale.• Sales taxes are another form of indirecttaxationpopular in the South.• George's comments were an indirect way of blaming me for the situation.indirect result• The increase in greenhousegases is the direct result of pollution, and the indirect result of a reduction in the atmosphere's ability to absorb them.• It was believed that the accident happened as an indirect result of heavy rain and snowstorms in the city.• The job losses were an indirect result of lower cost imports.• Some young people have died as a direct or indirect result of sniffingglue or other solvents.• Their plight is an indirect result of the closureprogramme.
