Word
indicate
Phoneticsin·di·cate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪndəˌkeɪt/
UK/ˈɪndɪkˌeɪt/
Definitions
01to show or suggest
B1 · Intermediate Academic
v. to show that something exists or is likely to be true.
v. to serve as a sign, symptom, or evidence of something. Often used with a 'that' clause or a direct object.
日本語:示す※
“Recent studies indicate that eating more vegetables can improve your health.”
“The preliminary data indicate a significant correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance in older adults.”
Usage
Commonly followed by a 'that' clause in academic writing.
Synonyms
02to point out
B1 · Intermediate
v. to point to something or draw attention to it.
v. to point out or direct attention to something specifically.
日本語:指し示す※
“Please indicate which of these books you would like to borrow.”
“The map uses small red icons to indicate the locations of historical landmarks throughout the city center.”
Antonyms
03medical symptoms
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine Technical
v. to be a sign of a specific illness or medical condition.
v. to manifest as a symptom or to suggest a particular treatment is necessary.
日本語:示す※
“A high fever can indicate that the body is fighting an infection.”
“The patient's persistent cough and fatigue may indicate an underlying respiratory condition that requires further testing.”
Antonyms
04to signal while driving
B1 · Intermediate British English
v. to use the lights on your car to show you are turning.
v. to use a vehicle's directional signals to inform other drivers of an intended change in direction.
“You should always indicate before you turn left at the junction.”
“The driver failed to indicate before changing lanes, nearly causing a collision with the motorcyclist behind him.”
Teaching tip
In American English, 'signal' is much more common than 'indicate' for this specific action.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “indicate” in context.
Noun
01. arrow indicates
“The red arrow indicates the direction of the emergency exit.”
noun + verb
02. clearly indicate
“The survey results clearly indicate that most people prefer working from home.”
adv + verb
03. falsely indicate
“A faulty sensor might falsely indicate that the engine is overheating.”
adv + verb
04. indicates free
05. analysis indicate
06. as indicated in
“Please follow the instructions as indicated in the manual.”
07. data indicate
08. estimate indicate
09. finally indicate
10. finding indicate
11. indicate a need for
“The report indicates a need for more investment in public transport.”
12. indicate a preference for
“Most customers indicated a preference for eco-friendly packaging.”
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin indicātus, perfect passive participle of indicō (“to point out, indicate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from in- (“in, to”) + dicō (“to declare, (originally) to point”). See also diction and index.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
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.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
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/indicate
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0