Word
indeed
Phoneticsin·deed, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈdid/
UK/ˌɪndˈiːd/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01emphasizing a statement
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.
日本語:実に※
“The food was very good indeed, and we ate every bit of it.”
“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'.
02adding more information
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
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.
日本語:実際※
“It was a difficult year; indeed, it was the hardest year of my life.”
“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.
Synonyms
03showing agreement
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal · British English
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.
日本語:いかにも※
“'It is a beautiful day.' 'Indeed it is.'”
“'The committee's decision seems somewhat premature, don't you think?' 'Indeed, I was about to suggest the same thing.'”
04showing surprise or doubt
C1 · Advanced Formal · Humorous
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.
“'He says he finished the whole project in one hour.' 'Indeed?'”
“'The CEO claims he had no knowledge of the accounting errors.' 'Indeed? That seems highly improbable given his reputation for detail.'”
Teaching tip
This sense relies heavily on intonation; a rising tone signals doubt, while a falling tone signals simple acknowledgement.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “indeed” in context.
Verb
01. helped indeed
“The extra time helped indeed, allowing us to finish the project.”
verb + adv
02. thanked them indeed
“She thanked them indeed for their generous help during the move.”
verb + noun + adv
Adjective
03. fortunate indeed
“It is fortunate indeed that no one was hurt in the accident.”
adj + that-clause
04. strange indeed
“It was strange indeed to see the streets so empty at noon.”
adj + infinitive
05. very rare indeed
“Finding a diamond in this river is very rare indeed.”
adv + adj
Etymology
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.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/indeed
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0