indirect

The term "indirect" refers to something that is not direct, such as a route that is not the most straightforward one. It can also describe communication or actions that are not explicit or straightforward. For instance, indirect speech involves reporting what someone else said without using their exact words, as in "She said that she was going to the store" rather than quoting her directly. In mathematics, an indirect proof, also known as proof by contradiction, assumes the opposite of what one wants to prove and shows that this assumption leads to a contradiction, thereby proving the original statement. In grammar, an indirect question is phrased as a statement, such as "Do you know where the library is?" instead of the direct question "Where is the library?" Additionally, indirect criticism or comments are those that imply criticism without stating it explicitly. The concept of indirectness is also important in various fields, including linguistics, where indirect speech acts, like requests phrased as questions, are studied for their nuanced meanings. Overall, "indirect" encompasses a range of ideas that involve deviation from the most straightforward path or expression.