indirect

Universal Words adjective [usuallybeforenoun] 1 happening not as the main aim, cause or result of a particular action, but in addition to it: the indirect effects of the war * to find something out by indirect methods * The building collapsed as an indirect result of the heavy rain and storms. * There would be some benefit, however indirect, to the state. * indirect costs (= costs that are not directly connected with making a product, for example training, heating, rent, etc.) 2 avoiding saying sth in a clear and obvious way: an indirect attack / comment 3 not going in a straight line: an indirect route * The plant prefers indirect sunlight. OPPDIRECT indirectly adverb: The new law will affect us all, directly or indirectly.