indicate
C1Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To show, point out, or make something known, especially through signs, signals, or evidence.
To be a sign or symptom of; to state or express something briefly or indirectly; to be necessary or advisable (as in medical contexts).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies the use of a sign or indirect evidence rather than explicit statement. Used in scientific, academic, and procedural contexts. In medical use (e.g., 'surgery is indicated'), it means 'suggested as necessary'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. Minor spelling differences in derived forms (indicated/indicating). Usage in road contexts ('indicator' vs. 'turn signal') is lexical, not verbal.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in everyday American speech; British English may use it more readily in conversational instructions.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties in formal/academic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] indicate [O] (The data indicate a problem.)[S] indicate that-clause (He indicated that he was leaving.)[S] indicate to [IO] that-clause (She indicated to me that she agreed.)[S] indicate [O] to [IO] (He indicated his choice to the committee.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All indications are...”
- “point (something) out”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports to show trends or results, e.g., 'The figures indicate strong Q3 growth.'
Academic
Common in research to present findings, e.g., 'The results indicate a correlation.'
Everyday
Used for giving directions or showing preferences, e.g., 'He indicated left before turning.'
Technical
In engineering/medicine to specify required actions or conditions, e.g., 'The warning light indicates low pressure.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The gauge indicates the fuel level.
- Please indicate your dietary requirements on the form.
- Early polls indicate a close election.
American English
- The study indicates a need for more research.
- He indicated right before changing lanes.
- Her tone indicated she was not pleased.
adverb
British English
- She nodded indicatively towards the door.
- He spoke indicatively of future challenges.
American English
- The data points indicatively towards a conclusion.
- He gestured indicatively at the map.
adjective
British English
- The indicative mood is used for stating facts.
- There was an indicative vote on the proposal.
American English
- The survey results are indicative of broader trends.
- His silence was indicative of his disapproval.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sign indicates the way to the station.
- The thermometer indicates the temperature.
- His smile indicated that he was happy.
- The dark clouds indicate rain later.
- Economic indicators strongly indicate a coming recession.
- The patient's symptoms indicate a possible infection.
- Archaeological findings indicate a sophisticated culture existed here.
- The author's use of metaphor indicates a deeper thematic concern.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an INDEX finger POINTING something out. IN + DICATE (like 'dictate' - to say). It means to 'say' or show something indirectly.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING (to indicate is to make visible/point out); COMMUNICATION IS A PATH (to indicate is to point the way).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'индексировать' (to index).
- Do not overuse as a direct translation for 'указывать' in every context; 'point out', 'show', or 'state' may be more natural.
- In Russian, 'означать' is closer for 'to mean/signify', whereas 'indicate' is more about showing evidence.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'indicate' without an object (e.g., 'The study indicates.' needs 'that...' or an object).
- Confusing 'indicate' with 'illustrate' or 'explain' (indicate is less detailed).
- Overusing in informal speech where 'show' or 'say' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'indicate' used CORRECTLY in a medical context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to formal. It is common in academic and professional writing but can be used in everyday situations, especially for giving directions or signs.
'Indicate' often suggests indirect evidence or a sign, while 'show' is more direct and demonstrative. 'Show' is also more common in informal speech.
No, it is not standard. Use a 'that'-clause (He indicated that he would agree) or a direct object + preposition (He indicated his agreement to the plan).
It is primarily an adjective (e.g., 'symptoms indicative of flu') and a noun in grammar ('the indicative mood').