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Indirect for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: ,ɪndə'rɛkt

What does Indirect really mean?

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Hey there! Let's dive right into understanding the word "indirect." Now, imagine you and your friend want to communicate, but you can't talk to each other directly. Instead, you have to use another person as a messenger to deliver your message. In this scenario, the communication between you and your friend is indirect!

Similarly, when we talk about something being "indirect," it means that it's not happening in a straightforward or direct way. It's like taking a longer route to reach a specific destination, rather than going there directly.

Now, let's explore a few different ways we can use this word:

1. Indirect communication:

Imagine you're trying to drop a hint to someone about something you want, but instead of saying it directly, you drop subtle clues. That's indirect communication! It's expressing yourself in an indirect or roundabout way.

2. Indirect impact:

Think of something like a small pebble thrown into a pond. The ripples that spread out from the pebble are indirect impacts. They aren't a result of the pebble hitting directly, but they still result in a change or effect.

3. Indirect pathway:

Picture yourself on a treasure hunt, searching for a hidden object. If you come across a series of clues or puzzles that lead you closer to the treasure, you're following an indirect pathway. It's not a straight line from start to finish, but rather a winding journey.

So, when we say something is "indirect," it means it's happening in an indirect or roundabout way, not directly. It's like taking a detour instead of heading straight for something. Just like our examples of indirect communication, indirect impact, and indirect pathway.

I hope that makes sense! If you have any more questions or want more examples, feel free to ask!


Revised and Fact checked by Linda Miller on 2023-10-29 02:53:10

Indirect In a sentece

Learn how to use Indirect inside a sentece

  • When you ask your friend to tell your other friend that you want to play a game, that's an indirect way of communicating.
  • If you want to find out if someone likes you, you might ask their friends instead of asking them directly. That's an example of indirect questioning.
  • When you drop hints or suggest something instead of saying it directly, you are using indirect communication.
  • If you want to borrow your sister's toy without asking her, you might wait until she's not around and then take it. That's an indirect way of getting what you want.
  • Sometimes, if you don't want to hurt someone's feelings, you can give them indirect feedback by saying something like 'I think it would be better if you try a different approach.'

Indirect Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

collateral

Indirect Antonyms

Words that have the opposite context of the original word.

direct direct

Indirect Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.

allusive ambagious askance askant asquint backhanded circuitous circuitous circumlocutious circumlocutory devious devious digressive discursive diversionary excursive hearsay mealy-mouthed mealymouthed meandering mediate oblique periphrastic rambling rambling roundabout roundabout secondary sidelong squint squint-eyed squinty tortuous wandering winding