1. Not direct or straight:
* Opposite of direct: If something is indirect, it doesn't go in a straight line or follow the most obvious path.
* Example: "The road was closed, so we had to take an indirect route."
2. Not stated directly:
* Implied or hinted at: If something is indirect, it's not explicitly said but suggested or hinted at.
* Example: "Her indirect criticism made it clear she wasn't happy with my work."
3. Not involving direct action:
* Mediated or through another person: An indirect action happens through a middleman or someone else.
* Example: "He made his complaint through an indirect channel, like a letter to the editor, instead of directly to the company."
4. Not related to the main point:
* Tangential or irrelevant: If something is indirect, it doesn't directly connect to the main topic.
* Example: "Your argument is indirect to the point of being irrelevant."
5. Not aimed at a specific person:
* General or non-specific: An indirect remark or action isn't meant for a particular person.
* Example: "He made an indirect comment about the messy kitchen, but he didn't say who was responsible."
The best definition of "indirect" depends on the specific context in which you encounter it.