/ ˌɪndəˈrekt; NAmE ; -daɪˈr-/ adjective [ usually before noun ]
1.
happening not as the main aim, cause or result of a particular action, but in addition to it :
the indirect effects of the war
to find something out by indirect methods
The building collapsed as an indirect result of the heavy rain.
There would be some benefit, however indirect, to the state.
indirect costs (= costs that are not directly connected with making a product, for example training, heating, rent, etc.)
2.
avoiding saying sth in a clear and obvious way :
an indirect attack
3.
not going in a straight line :
an indirect route
OPP direct
► in·dir·ect·ly adverb :
The new law will affect us all, directly or indirectly.
► in·dir·ect·ness noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense not in full grammatical concord ): from medieval Latin indirectus , from in- not + directus (past participle of dirigere , from di- distinctly or de- down + regere put straight).