Main Entry: in·di·rect

Pronunciation: \ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -(ˌ)dī-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin indirectus, from Latin in- + directus direct — more at dress

Date: 14th century

: not direct: as a (1) : deviating from a direct line or course : roundabout (2) : not going straight to the point <an indirect accusation> (3) : being or involving proof of a proposition or theorem by demonstration that its negation leads to an absurdity or contradiction b : not straightforward and open : deceitful c : not directly aimed at or achieved <indirect consequences> d : stating what a real or supposed original speaker said with changes in wording that conform the statement grammatically to the sentence in which it is included <indirect discourse> <an indirect question> e : not effected by the action of the people or the electorate <indirect government representation>

— in·di·rect·ly \-ˈrek(t)-lē\ adverb

— in·di·rect·ness \-nəs\ noun