How to pronounce indirect
Say it like in-duh-REKT. Indirect has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce indirect. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- duh
- REKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Indirect pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- REKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of indirect
American and British speakers say indirect in essentially the same way: /ˌɪndəˈrɛkt/ in the US and /ˌɪndɪˈrɛkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-dih-REKT.
What does indirect mean?
- having intervening factors or persons or influences“reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light”“indirect evidence”
- 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”
Where does indirect come from?
From Middle French indirect, from Late Latin indirectus (“not direct”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with indirect
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of indirect.
Questions about saying indirect
How do you pronounce indirect?
Say in-duh-REKT. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪndəˈrɛkt/. In British English it is /ˌɪndɪˈrɛkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in indirect?
Indirect has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REKT). Broken into parts: in · duh · REKT.
Do Americans and Brits say indirect the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪndəˈrɛkt/ and the British form is /ˌɪndɪˈrɛkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.