What is indirect? Pronunciation and usage in English

indirect means . Learn how to pronounce and use indirect through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of indirect

indirectadjective

/ˌɪndɪˈrɛkt//ˌɪndʌɪˈrɛkt/
Definition & pronunciation of indirect

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "indirect":

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

/ɪnˈdɪrekt/

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • in - Sounds like the word "in" - as in, "in a box." (Pronounced with a short "i" sound)
  • di - Sounds like "dee" - as in "dictionary." (Pronounced with a short "i" sound)
  • rect - This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "rek-t" with a very short "e" sound. Think of it as sounding slightly like "wreck," but saying it faster and with less emphasis on the "w."

Putting it all together:

It's a quick, somewhat clipped pronunciation. It’s not a long, drawn-out word.

Here are some tips:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search online for "how to pronounce indirect" on YouTube or Merriam-Webster's pronunciation guide: https://www.merriam-webster.com/audio/pronunciation/indirect
  • Focus on the 'rek' sound: Really concentrate on getting that quick, short "rek" sound at the end.
  • Don't over-emphasize the 'i': It’s a soft "i" sound, not a long "ee" sound.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you more examples of how it's used in sentences?

Usage and examples with the word indirect in English

Let's break down how to use the word "indirect" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, and understanding those nuances is key to using it correctly. Here's a breakdown of its common usages, with examples:

1. Not Direct; Secondary: This is the most common meaning. It describes something that isn't immediate or straightforward.

  • Example 1 (Communication): "She gave me an indirect hint that she was unhappy." (She didn’t say it directly, but implied it.)
  • Example 2 (Cause & Effect): "The rain caused indirect damage to the crops, by flooding the fields." (The rain didn't directly damage the crops, but its consequence did.)
  • Example 3 (Influence): "The government's policy had an indirect impact on the economy." (It didn't have a direct, immediate impact, but it still influenced things.)
  • Example 4 (Feeling): "He tried to hide his disappointment with an indirect response." (He didn’t express his disappointment directly.)

2. Via a Third Party; Not Directly Involved: This refers to something happening or being passed along through someone or something else.

  • Example 1: "I heard about the job offer indirectly from a friend." (I didn't hear it directly from the company, but through a friend.)
  • Example 2: “The information came to us indirectly through a confidential source.” (We didn’t get it directly, but learned about it through someone else.)

3. In Art and Literature: This describes a technique of suggesting something without stating it explicitly. It’s about creating an impression rather than stating a fact.

  • Example 1: "The author used indirect characterization to reveal the protagonist’s personality." (Instead of directly saying "He was kind," the author showed him acting kindly.)
  • Example 2: "The painting's indirect style evokes a sense of melancholy." (The painting doesn't show sadness directly, but uses colors and composition to create that feeling.)

4. In Measurement (Less Common): "Indirect" can also describe a measurement that's calculated, rather than directly observed.

  • Example: “The scientist calculated the distance using an indirect method.” (He didn’t measure the distance directly, but calculated it based on other measurements.)

Key Ways to Recognize "Indirect":

  • Look for implications: Often, "indirect" is used when someone is suggesting something rather than stating it plainly.
  • Consider the chain of events: If something has a consequence that isn't the immediate result of the original action, "indirect" is likely the right word.
  • Think about the source: If information or influence isn't coming directly, it's "indirect."

Synonyms for "Indirect":

  • Subtle
  • Implied
  • Secondary
  • Collateral
  • Unofficial
  • Passively

To help me give you even more tailored information, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "indirect"? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me a specific sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word indirect

Practice with vocabulary indirect

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee decided on an ______ approach to address the sensitive issue, hoping to avoid direct confrontation.
  2. His ______ comments about the new policy suggested he wasn't entirely pleased, without him ever stating it explicitly.
  3. Despite the lack of a formal apology, her changed behavior offered an ______ acknowledgment of her mistake.
  4. While profit is the primary goal, brand recognition is often a significant ______ benefit of successful marketing campaigns.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes a method that does not directly tackle a problem but works through intermediaries or subtle means? a) forthright b) straightforward c) circuitous d) indirect e) immediate

  2. If a company's decision has consequences that are not immediately obvious or directly caused by the decision itself, these consequences could be described as: a) direct b) intrinsic c) resultant d) indirect e) collateral

  3. To avoid appearing accusatory, the manager posed a series of questions that were rather ______, prompting the employee to reflect on their performance without a direct confrontation. a) pointed b) equivocal c) direct d) subtle e) indirect

  4. When someone communicates their feelings or intentions without stating them explicitly, their message is often: a) overt b) direct c) implicit d) ambiguous e) candid

  5. The evidence against the suspect was entirely ______, relying on inferences and circumstances rather than eyewitness accounts or direct proof. a) incontrovertible b) conclusive c) circumstantial d) corroborative e) compelling

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her presentation did not directly state the risks but hinted at them throughout the data analysis.
  2. The government introduced several new policies that did not immediately seem to affect inflation, but their long-term impact was substantial.
  3. The artist conveyed a hidden message about societal pressure through the symbolism in his painting.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. indirect
  2. indirect
  3. implied
  4. secondary

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) circuitous, d) indirect
  2. d) indirect, e) collateral
  3. d) subtle, e) indirect
  4. c) implicit, d) ambiguous
  5. c) circumstantial

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her presentation made an indirect reference to the risks by hinting at them throughout the data analysis.
  2. The government's new policies had a significant indirect impact on inflation over the long term, even if not immediately apparent.
  3. The artist conveyed an implicit message about societal pressure through the symbolism in his painting.

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