indirection
[/ˌɪndɪˈrekʃən/]
nounfemininepl: indirections
indiretismo
1. The quality or state of being indirect; lack of directness in speech, action, or method
She spoke with such indirection that no one understood her true intentions.
Ela falava com tanto indiretismo que ninguém entendia suas verdadeiras intenções.
2. An indirect statement, action, or method; a roundabout way of doing something
His indirection in approaching the problem only wasted more time.
O indiretismo dele ao abordar o problema apenas desperdiçou mais tempo.
3. Dishonesty or deceit through indirect means
The politician's indirection when answering questions frustrated the voters.
O indiretismo do político ao responder perguntas frustrou os eleitores.
In Brazilian culture, indirection in communication is sometimes viewed as polite or respectful, especially when delivering bad news. However, in American business contexts, indirection is often criticized as inefficient and considered evasive. Shakespeare famously used 'indirection' in Hamlet ('by indirection find direction out'), which remains a significant reference in English literature.
NYC Slang
beating around the bush
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →