What does "indeed" mean?

1. (emphasizing a statement) you use this to emphasize that what you are saying is true or very important. 2. (adding more information) you use this to add a new point that confirms or makes your first point stronger. 3. (showing agreement) a way to say 'yes' or 'I agree' in a slightly formal way. 4. (showing surprise or doubt) you say this with a rising voice to show you are surprised or that you don't quite believe someone.

How do you use "indeed"?

Often placed at the end of a clause for emphasis, especially after an adjective modified by 'very'. Typically used at the beginning of a second clause to strengthen the first.

indeed

adv. · interj.

US //ˌɪnˈdid// UK //ˌɪndˈiːd// in·deed

1 emphasizing a statement (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

you use this to emphasize that what you are saying is true or very important.

used to emphasize a statement or a particular quality, often following 'very' or a similar intensifier.

Example

The food was very good indeed, and we ate every bit of it.

Example

The results were very encouraging indeed, surpassing even the most optimistic projections the research team had initially proposed.

Usage

Often placed at the end of a clause for emphasis, especially after an adjective modified by 'very'.
2 adding more information (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

you use this to add a new point that confirms or makes your first point stronger.

used to introduce a further point that confirms or intensifies the previous statement.

Example

It was a difficult year; indeed, it was the hardest year of my life.

Example

The policy was ineffective; indeed, it appeared to exacerbate the very social tensions it was designed to alleviate.

Usage

Typically used at the beginning of a second clause to strengthen the first.
- furthermore
- in fact

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3 showing agreement (interj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal British English

a way to say 'yes' or 'I agree' in a slightly formal way.

used as an emphatic response to express agreement or to acknowledge a statement.

Example

'It is a beautiful day.' 'Indeed it is.'

Example

'The committee's decision seems somewhat premature, don't you think?' 'Indeed, I was about to suggest the same thing.'
- exactly
- quite
4 showing surprise or doubt (interj.)
C1 Advanced Formal Humorous

you say this with a rising voice to show you are surprised or that you don't quite believe someone.

used with a rising intonation to express interest, surprise, or skepticism regarding a previous remark.

Example

'He says he finished the whole project in one hour.' 'Indeed?'

Example

'The CEO claims he had no knowledge of the accounting errors.' 'Indeed? That seems highly improbable given his reputation for detail.'

Teacher's tip

This sense relies heavily on intonation; a rising tone signals doubt, while a falling tone signals simple acknowledgement.
- really
- is that so

Origin

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.