indirect
Meaning
not done or caused directly; happening through an intermediary
not going straight to the point; roundabout or evasive
Structure
Usage
The indirect costs of the project were difficult to calculate.
He gave only an indirect answer to the question.
We took an indirect route to avoid the traffic.
Etymology
The word 'indirect' is a straightforward compound formed within English from the Latin-derived prefix 'in-' and the adjective 'direct'. The prefix 'in-', from Latin, serves its classic role of negation, turning the meaning of the root to its opposite. The root 'direct' originates from the Latin past participle directus ("straightened, directed"), itself from the verb dirigere, composed of dis- ("apart") and regere ("to guide, keep straight"). Thus, the literal sense of "not straight" evolved logically into the modern abstract meanings of "not straightforward," "mediated," or "roundabout."
Analysis
- in: A Latin prefix meaning "not, opposite of." It functions as a negative or privative prefix. - direct: From Latin directus, meaning "straight, set straight." It functions as the root adjective meaning "straightforward."