indirectly
1 antonyms and opposites of indirectly, grouped by meaning.
Adverb — In a roundabout way rather than straight or directly.
Antonyms
How to use indirectly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From indirect plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of indirectly →Frequently asked questions
What does “indirectly” mean?
The word “indirectly” means in a roundabout way rather than straight or directly. In plain terms, not in a straight or obvious path — through some other route or means.
How do you pronounce “indirectly”?
“Indirectly” is pronounced ihn-dih-REHK-lee (/ˌɪn.dɪˈɹɛk(t).li/ in IPA).
How do you use “indirectly” in a sentence?
Here is “indirectly” used in a sentence: “The news reached her indirectly, through a mutual friend.”
What is the opposite of “indirectly”?
The opposite of “indirectly” — its antonyms — is directly.
What part of speech is “indirectly”?
“Indirectly” is an adverb.
Is “indirectly” a common word?
“Indirectly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between directly and indirectly?
Directly means in a straight, immediate way, while indirectly means in a roundabout way rather than straight or direct. If news reaches you indirectly, it comes through an intermediate source rather than firsthand.
How is indirectly used with verbs like 'affect' or 'cause'?
Indirectly commonly pairs with verbs such as 'affect,' 'cause,' 'benefit,' or 'contribute,' describing an effect that happens through a chain of events rather than a direct link, as in 'the policy indirectly affected prices.'
Is indirectly a formal or informal word?
Indirectly is a neutral adverb suitable for both formal and everyday writing, often used in legal, journalistic, and conversational contexts to soften or qualify how an effect or connection occurs.