indirect

having intervening factors or persons or influences

• “reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light”
• “indirect evidence”
• “an indirect cause”

not direct in spatial dimension; not leading by a straight line or course to a destination

• “sometimes taking an indirect path saves time”
• “you must take an indirect course in sailing”

descended from a common ancestor but through different lines

• “cousins are collateral relatives”
• “an indirect descendant of the Stuarts”

extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action

• “making indirect but legitimate inquiries”
• “an indirect insult”
• “doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind”
• “though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest”
• “known as a shady indirect fellow”

not as a direct effect or consequence

• “indirect benefits”
• “an indirect advantage”