indirect

Definition

Not direct

Etymology

From Middle French indirect, from Late Latin indirectus (“not direct”).

Example Sentences

• "While not mentioning any of their competitors by name, the CEO made some indirect statements that they were acting immorally."
• "Se asked him some indirect questions to ascertain whether he was single."
• "Indirect messages permit communicative contacts when, without them, the alternatives would be total inhibition, silence, and solitude on the one hand, or, on the other, communicative behavior that is direct, offensive, and hence forbidden. This is a painful choice. In actual practice, neither alternative is likely to result in the gratification of personal or sexual needs. In this dilemma, indirect communications provide a useful compromise. As an early move in the dating game, the young man might invite the young woman to dinner or to the movies."