indentation
B2Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A hollow, notch, or cut made in a surface or edge; the act of making such a hollow or notch.
In computing, the positioning of text or code further from the margin to indicate structure or subordination; more generally, any recess or depression.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The computing sense is now dominant in many contexts. Can refer to both the result (the space/hollow) and the action of creating it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are identical. No major usage differences, though the related verb 'indent' has more varied historical uses in BrE (e.g., 'to indent for' meaning 'to requisition').
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. In typography and publishing, historically linked to 'indention' (AmE) vs 'indentation' (BrE), but 'indentation' is now standard in both for the computing sense.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties due to its technical (computing, manufacturing) and general applications.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
indentation in [surface]indentation of [measurement] (e.g., an indentation of 5mm)indentation for [purpose] (e.g., indentation for readability)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no common idioms directly with 'indentation')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in documents and reports regarding formatting standards (e.g., 'Use a standard indentation for bullet points').
Academic
Common in computer science, linguistics (syntax trees), and formatting guidelines for theses/papers.
Everyday
Describing physical marks or dents (e.g., 'The hailstorm left indentations on the car bonnet').
Technical
Essential term in programming (code structure), engineering (materials testing, e.g., 'indentation hardness'), and cartography (bays/notches in a coastline).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You must indent the first line of each paragraph.
- The manager will indent for new office supplies.
American English
- Make sure to indent your code blocks clearly.
- The coastline is heavily indented by fjords.
adverb
British English
- The text was formatted indentedly (rare).
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The indented coastline provided natural harbours.
- Use an indented list for the sub-points.
American English
- The indented paragraph style is preferred.
- The metal showed an indented surface after the test.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a small indentation in the wood where I dropped the hammer.
- Please check the indentation of the first line in your essay.
- Proper code indentation makes it much easier for others to read and understand your program.
- The indentation hardness of the ceramic composite was measured using a Vickers test, revealing its superior resistance to plastic deformation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of pressing your finger into soft clay to make a DENT. INDENTation is the process or result of making that inward DENT.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS DEPTH (in computing/typing: deeper levels are further indented, i.e., pushed in).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'отступление' (which primarily means retreat/withdrawal). Use 'отступ' (for text/space) or 'вмятина/углубление' (for physical hollow). The computing term is directly borrowed as 'индентация'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'indentation' with 'intention'. Misspelling as 'indention' (though this is a valid, less common variant in publishing). Using incorrect prepositions (e.g., 'indentation on' instead of the more standard 'indentation in').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'indentation' LEAST likely to be used in its specialised sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the text/code sense is very common, it originally and still refers to any physical notch, hollow, or recess, like an indentation in a coastline or a dent in metal.
'Indent' is primarily the verb (the action) or, in publishing, a noun for an order form. 'Indentation' is the noun for the result (the space/hollow made) or the process itself.
Logically, yes, they both create visual space. However, most style guides mandate using one consistently (often spaces) as mixing them can cause errors. It's a major topic in coding standards.
Yes. 'Indentations' refers to multiple notches or hollows (e.g., 'The fossil had several small indentations on its surface').