ENGLISH
REFERENCE

indeed

adv. sent.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˌɪnˈdid// UK //ˌɪndˈiːd// in·deed General-service

adv. used to emphasize that something is true or to agree with a statement. It adds extra strength to what you are saying.

adv. used to emphasize a statement or to confirm a previous point. Often functions as a sentence-modifying disjunct or as an intensifier following an adjective or another adverb.


SIMPLE

The food was very good indeed.

CONTEXTUAL

It is a very difficult situation indeed, and we must handle it with extreme care.

COMPLEX

While the initial results were promising, the subsequent data proved to be more significant indeed, suggesting a fundamental shift in the market's trajectory.

Synonyms
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.

Usage

Commonly placed at the end of a clause for emphasis or after 'very' + adjective/adverb. In formal contexts, it can appear at the start of a sentence to confirm a previous point.

© 2026 English Reference