Indirect
/ˌɪn.dɪˈrekt/noun
Not directly caused by or resulting from something; mediated.
Did you know?The prefix 'in-' often implies a negation, so 'indirect' literally means 'not straight', hinting at concealed intentions or hidden truths in communication.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰer-
“to hold, support, or nourish.”
Latin
Latin
indirectus
“not straightened; indirect.”
Old French
Old French
indirect
“not direct; circuitous.”
Middle English
Middle English
indirecte
“not straightforward; veiled.”
Modern English
English
indirect
“not proceeding through direct paths or means.”