in·di·rect 
/ˌɪndəˈrɛkt/ adjective
/ˌɪndəˈrɛkt/ adjective 1 [more indirect; most indirect] : not direct: such as a : not going straight from one point to another
▪ We took an indirect route. ▪ These plants grow best in bright indirect light/sun.
b : not said or done in a clear and direct way
▪ He gave only vague, indirect answers to our questions. ▪ They used indirect methods of investigation. ▪ There were many indirect references to his earlier books. ▪ Looking at her watch was her indirect way of telling him it was time to leave.
c : not having a clear and direct connection
▪ Poor nutrition may have been an indirect cause of the disease. ▪ The cigarette stubs were indirect evidence that someone had been smoking in the room. 2 grammar : stating what an original speaker said without exactly quoting the words
▪ “He said that he would call later,” is an example of indirect speech/discourse since his actual words were “I'll call later.” ▪ an indirect question such as “She asked whether the doctor had arrived” ▪ an indirect quotation
▪ We took an indirect route. ▪ These plants grow best in bright indirect light/sun.
b : not said or done in a clear and direct way
▪ He gave only vague, indirect answers to our questions. ▪ They used indirect methods of investigation. ▪ There were many indirect references to his earlier books. ▪ Looking at her watch was her indirect way of telling him it was time to leave.
c : not having a clear and direct connection
▪ Poor nutrition may have been an indirect cause of the disease. ▪ The cigarette stubs were indirect evidence that someone had been smoking in the room.
▪ “He said that he would call later,” is an example of indirect speech/discourse since his actual words were “I'll call later.” ▪ an indirect question such as “She asked whether the doctor had arrived” ▪ an indirect quotation
— in·di·rect·ly adverb [more indirectly; most indirectly]
▪ He was indirectly involved in the robbery. ▪ The disease can be spread directly or indirectly. ▪ He answered our questions indirectly.
▪ He was indirectly involved in the robbery. ▪ The disease can be spread directly or indirectly. ▪ He answered our questions indirectly.
— in·di·rect·ness noun [noncount]
