INDIRECT

[in.di.rect] adj [ME, fr. ML indirectus, fr. L in- + directus direct--more at dress] (14c): not direct: as a (1): deviating from a direct line or course: roundabout (2): not going straight to the point "an ~ 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 "~ 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 "~ discourse" "an ~ question" e: not effected by the action of the people or the electorate "~ government representation" -- in.di.rect.ly adv -- in.di.rect.ness n