Words / C1

ind-uh-REKT/ˌɪndəˈrekt/

Indirect means not done or said in a straight or obvious way, or not taking the shortest route: an indirect remark, an indirect route. Direct sits opposite; a tweet that names a grade is still a leak.

Meaning

Not done or said in a straight or obvious way; not going the shortest route.

Examples

• “Indirect praise in a tweet is still a leak if it names the grade before midnight.”
• “Oblique is the close twin. Roundabout is informal. Praise is a feeling. A grade is an embargo. Wait for the lift; then praise in public.”

Good to know

Not straight or not obvious. Close: oblique. Soft praise ≠ a lifted embargo.

Near in meaning

oblique

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