indicate - Master This Word

indicate Word Meanings

• to show or point out something
• to suggest or imply
• to make known or announce

indicate Example Sentences

Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.

• The sign indicates where to park.
• His smile may indicate that he is happy.
• The map will indicate the way to go.
• Please indicate your choice on the form.
• The clock can indicate the time clearly.

indicate Word Etymology

From 'in-' = into + 'dicare' = to declare. Latin → Old French → English. Picture a finger pointing (indicating) towards a direction, guiding someone to the right path.

English Brain Route

Starting with a slow turn, I move a finger along the map until it rests on the spot that should be noticed. I push the edge of the page a little so the marker sits where others will see it. The gesture feels focused, a small deliberate shift that says, look here. When I indicate, I’m guiding eyes and clues toward a shared next step, not shouting ideas, just marking what matters.

Real Context

Indicate means to show something in a way that makes it clear without stating it directly. You can indicate a direction, a need, or a result by using signs, data, or body language, rather than giving a full explanation. It also means to suggest or imply a meaning or intention, as when a chart indicates a trend or a comment indicates one person’s preference. In formal writing you indicate conclusions or findings by presenting evidence that points to them without declaring them outright. The nuance sits between ‘show’ and ‘declare,’ offering a precise but not final signal of meaning.

Usage Reminders

• - Use indicate with signs, data, or actions that point to a meaning.
• - Follow indicate with a that-clause or a noun phrase (indicate that, indicate a trend).
• - Don’t use indicate for strong declarations; use declare or state when appropriate.
• - Indicate usually signals evidence pointing to a conclusion, not a guaranteed fact.
• - In passive form, 'is indicated by' shows the sign rather than the actor.

Common Misconceptions

• Indicate means prove something; it is the same as 'prove'.
• Indicate and 'show' are interchangeable in all contexts.
• Indicate is only used with numbers or data.
• Indicate cannot take a person as the direct object.
• Indicate is used to announce a decision.

Thinking Differences

For English learners, indicate is a middle ground between show (visible evidence) and declare (explicit statement). Learners often overuse it with direct facts or confuse it with 'prove' or 'announce'.

Learning Tips

• Learn the main collocations: indicate that, indicate a trend, indicate intent, indicate direction, indicate evidence, indicate results.
• Practice with charts and tables to see how signs signal conclusions.
• Compare with show, reveal, and declare to choose the right shade of meaning.
• Use passive voice: 'is indicated by' to emphasize the signal, not the speaker.
• Annotate sentences by highlighting the sign and the inferred meaning.
• Read formal writing to notice how writers hedge with indicate.

5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English

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