World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesIndirect
/ˌɪn.daɪˈrɛkt/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Not direct; not straightforward.
"He gave an indirect answer to the question, avoiding a clear response."
- 1
A person or thing that is not direct.
"In the discussion, she played the role of an indirect, subtle influencer."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from Late Latin indirectus, formed from the prefix in- (meaning 'not') combined with directus (meaning 'straight' or 'direct'). It entered the English language in the late 14th century via Old French, maintaining its semantic shift toward describing paths, actions, or consequences that are not straightforward.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Indirect"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Indirect" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
indirect
Transliteration: ɛ̃.di.ʁɛkt
"Il a donné une réponse indirecte à la question."
indirekt
Transliteration: ɪn.dɪˈʁɛkt
"Er gab eine indirekte Antwort auf die Frage."
indiretto
Transliteration: in.diˈrɛt.to
"Ha dato una risposta indiretta alla domanda."
indirecto
Transliteration: in.diˈɾek.to
"Dio una respuesta indirecta a la pregunta."
indireto
Transliteration: ĩ.dʒiˈɾɛ.tu
"Ele deu uma resposta indireta à pergunta."
अप्रत्यक्ष
Transliteration: apratiṣṭhya
"उसने सवाल का अप्रत्यक्ष जवाब दिया।"
间接的
Transliteration: jiànjiē de
"他对问题给出了间接的回答。"
간접적인
Transliteration: ganjeobjeogin
"그는 질문에 간접적인 대답을 했다."
間接的な
Transliteration: kansetsuteki na
"彼は質問に間接的な答えをした。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Indirect"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.