1. (

• indirect

) having intervening factors or persons or influences; "reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light"; "indirect evidence"; "an indirect cause" ;

2. (

• indirect

) not direct in spatial dimension; not leading by a straight line or course to a destination; "sometimes taking an indirect path saves time"; "you must take an indirect course in sailing" ;

3. (

• collateral ,
• indirect ,

) descended from a common ancestor but through different lines; "cousins are collateral relatives"; "an indirect descendant of the Stuarts" ;

4. (

• indirect ,

) extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action; "making indirect but legitimate inquiries"; "an indirect insult"; "doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind"; "though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest"; "known as a shady indirect fellow" ;

5. (

• indirect

) not as a direct effect or consequence; "indirect benefits"; "an indirect advantage" ;