Word
indentation
Phoneticsin·den·ta·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnˌdɛnˈteɪʃən/
UK/ˌɪndɛntˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a small empty space at the start of a written line, often at the start of a new paragraph. You use it to show where a new part begins.
n. a blank space set in from the margin at the start of a line or paragraph, used to mark a new section or level in a text; by extension, a small notch or hollow pressed into a surface.
Examples
“She leaves an indentation at the start of each paragraph.”
“The teacher asks students to use indentation for each new paragraph in their essays.”
“The editor preserved the original indentation of the poems, arguing that the staggered lines shaped the rhythm as much as the words themselves.”
Examples
simple
“She leaves an indentation at the start of each paragraph.”
contextual
“The teacher asks students to use indentation for each new paragraph in their essays.”
complex
“The editor preserved the original indentation of the poems, arguing that the staggered lines shaped the rhythm as much as the words themselves.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “indentation” in context.
Verb
01. adjust indentation
“You can adjust indentation in the paragraph settings menu.”
verb + noun
02. increase indentation
“Press Tab to increase indentation at the start of the paragraph.”
verb + noun
03. indentation marks
“The small indentation marks the beginning of a new paragraph.”
noun + verb
04. indentation shows
“The indentation shows where the new section begins.”
noun + verb
05. remove indentation
“Remove indentation before the first line if the style guide says so.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. consistent indentation
“The teacher asked for consistent indentation at the start of every paragraph.”
adj + noun
07. deep indentation
“Use deep indentation to separate the quoted text from the main paragraph.”
adj + noun
08. hanging indentation
“Use hanging indentation for your reference list at the end of the essay.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. depth of indentation
“The depth of indentation should be the same in the whole document.”
noun + prep + noun
10. level of indentation
“Check the level of indentation to keep all paragraphs aligned.”
noun + prep + noun
11. adjust indentation in paragraph settings
“You can adjust indentation in paragraph settings in Word.”
12. keep indentation consistent throughout
“Keep indentation consistent throughout your essay for a neat look.”
Etymology
From indent + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/indentation