indent
B2Neutral to formal, depending on context. Technical in computing.
Definition
Meaning
To set (text or a line) further from the margin than the main part of the text, creating a space at the beginning; to form a recess or notch.
To make an official order or requisition (British). To create a dent or depression in a surface. In computing, to align code with spaces or tabs to show its structure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word operates as both a verb and a noun. The noun refers to the space itself, the act of indenting, or an official order (UK). The sense of 'making a dent' is less frequent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The meaning 'to make an official order or requisition' (e.g., 'indent for supplies') is primarily British. In American English, this usage is rare or absent.
Connotations
In British administrative/formal contexts, 'indent' carries a bureaucratic connotation. This is absent in AmE.
Frequency
The text formatting and computing senses are dominant and equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + indent + [Object] (e.g., Indent the first line.)[Subject] + indent + for + [Object] (e.g., The department will indent for new stationery.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In UK contexts, 'to indent' means to make a formal written request for goods, often on a requisition form.
Academic
Used to describe the formatting of paragraphs, block quotes, and bibliographies in essays and research papers.
Everyday
Commonly encountered in word processing software when adjusting paragraph layout.
Technical
Fundamental concept in programming and markup languages (Python, HTML, etc.) to denote code structure and hierarchy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please indent the first line of each new paragraph.
- The army quartermaster will indent for fresh provisions next week.
American English
- Remember to indent your code blocks for readability.
- The coastline is deeply indented by numerous bays.
adjective
British English
- Use the indent style specified in the style guide.
- The indent order form must be signed by the manager.
American English
- Adjust the indent marker on the ruler.
- The indent level in the Python script was wrong.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Press 'Tab' to indent the line.
- The first word of the paragraph is indented.
- You should indent the first line of every paragraph in your essay.
- The menu allows you to indent text to the right.
- The programmer fixed the error by properly indenting the nested loop.
- A hanging indent is often used in bibliographic entries.
- The bureaucratic procedure required us to formally indent for any equipment exceeding £500.
- Geologically, the fjord was created by glacial activity indenting the coastline over millennia.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DENT in the first line of a paragraph, pushing it INward. IN + DENT = INDENT.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORMAT IS SPATIAL ORGANIZATION (indenting creates visual depth and order).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'intend' (/ɪnˈtɛnd/ - намереваться).
- В русском 'индент' или 'отступ' обычно относится только к тексту, тогда как английское слово шире.
- 'Indent for supplies' не переводится дословно как 'индектировать поставки', это 'оформлять requisition/заявку'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'indentation' when using the verb form (e.g., 'I will indentation the line').
- Confusing pronunciation with 'intend'.
- Using 'indent' as a noun for the tool that creates the space (the tool is usually a 'Tab key' or 'indentation setting').
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English does 'indent' commonly mean 'to make a formal requisition'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Tab' often refers to the key or a single fixed spacing movement. 'Indent' is the result or the action of creating the space, which can be achieved by multiple spaces, a tab, or automatic formatting.
Yes. As a noun, it refers to the empty space left at the beginning of a line (e.g., 'a 5-character indent') or, in British English, an official order for goods.
'Indentation' is the related noun describing the general result or state (e.g., 'the indentation of the paragraph'). 'Indent' as a noun is more specific to the instance or the space itself.
In languages like Python, indentation defines code blocks and hierarchy (like curly braces in other languages). Incorrect indentation can change the program's logic or cause errors.