indeed
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adv.you use this to emphasize that what you are saying is true or very important.
adv.used to emphasize a statement or a particular quality, often following 'very' or a similar intensifier.
Simple“The food was very good indeed, and we ate every bit of it.”
In context“The results were very encouraging indeed, surpassing even the most optimistic projections the research team had initially proposed.”
UsageOften placed at the end of a clause for emphasis, especially after an adjective modified by 'very'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.you use this to add a new point that confirms or makes your first point stronger.
adv.used to introduce a further point that confirms or intensifies the previous statement.
Simple“It was a difficult year; indeed, it was the hardest year of my life.”
In context“The policy was ineffective; indeed, it appeared to exacerbate the very social tensions it was designed to alleviate.”
UsageTypically used at the beginning of a second clause to strengthen the first.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
interj.a way to say 'yes' or 'I agree' in a slightly formal way.
interj.used as an emphatic response to express agreement or to acknowledge a statement.
Simple“'It is a beautiful day.' 'Indeed it is.'”
In context“'The committee's decision seems somewhat premature, don't you think?' 'Indeed, I was about to suggest the same thing.'”
- 04 C1 Advanced
interj.you say this with a rising voice to show you are surprised or that you don't quite believe someone.
interj.used with a rising intonation to express interest, surprise, or skepticism regarding a previous remark.
Simple“'He says he finished the whole project in one hour.' 'Indeed?'”
In context“'The CEO claims he had no knowledge of the accounting errors.' 'Indeed? That seems highly improbable given his reputation for detail.'”
Teacher's tipThis sense relies heavily on intonation; a rising tone signals doubt, while a falling tone signals simple acknowledgement.
Synonyms
From Middle English indede, univerbation of the phrase in dede (“in sooth, in fact”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian innerdoat, innedoat (“indeed”), West Frisian yndied (“indeed”), Dutch inderdaad (“indeed”), German in der Tat (“indeed”). By surface analysis, in + deed. Compare in fact, in truth, etc. First attested in the early 14ᵗʰ century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.