As an adjective:
* Indirect route: This refers to a route that is not the most direct or straightforward. For example, "We took an indirect route to avoid traffic."
* Indirect speech: This refers to reporting what someone said without using their exact words. For example, "She said she was feeling tired" is indirect speech.
* Indirect lighting: This refers to lighting that is not directed directly at a subject, but rather bounces off of other surfaces. For example, "The room had indirect lighting from lamps in the corners."
* Indirect evidence: This refers to evidence that does not directly prove something, but rather suggests it through inference. For example, "The muddy footprints are indirect evidence that someone entered the house."
As an adverb:
* He indirectly suggested that he was unhappy with the decision. This means he hinted at his dissatisfaction without saying it directly.
* The accident was indirectly caused by the driver's negligence. This means the negligence wasn't the immediate cause of the accident, but it led to the conditions that made the accident possible.
In phrases:
* Indirect object: This refers to the person or thing who receives the action of the verb, but not directly. For example, in the sentence "He gave the book to her," "her" is the indirect object.
* Indirect taxes: These are taxes that are levied on the consumption of goods and services, rather than on the income of individuals.
* Indirect costs: These are costs that are not directly related to the production of a product or service, but are necessary for the business to operate.
In general, "indirect" implies a roundabout or less direct approach, often used to avoid being explicit or to convey information subtly.
It's important to consider the context when using the word "indirect" to ensure it is being used correctly and conveys the intended meaning.