What is meant by an 'indirect quotation'?

An indirect quotation refers to a version of someone else's spoken or written words that is not cited word-for-word. Instead of providing an exact phrase, it summarizes or rephrases the original statement, conveying the essence of the idea while potentially changing the wording or structure. This method allows the writer to integrate the source's ideas smoothly into their own text while maintaining the original meaning.

In this case, while a direct quotation would present the exact words of the speaker, an indirect quotation captures the idea in a way that may be more cohesive with the surrounding text. This technique is useful in writing because it can improve flow and clarity while still attributing the source of the information.