What does "indicate" mean?

1. (to show or suggest) to show that something exists or is likely to be true. 2. (to point out) to point to something or draw attention to it. 3. (medical symptoms) to be a sign of a specific illness or medical condition. 4. (to signal while driving) to use the lights on your car to show you are turning.

How do you use "indicate"?

Commonly followed by a 'that' clause in academic writing.

indicate

US //ˈɪndəˌkeɪt// UK //ˈɪndɪkˌeɪt// in·di·cate

1 to show or suggest (v.)
B1 Intermediate Academic

to show that something exists or is likely to be true.

to serve as a sign, symptom, or evidence of something. Often used with a 'that' clause or a direct object.

Example

Recent studies indicate that eating more vegetables can improve your health.

Example

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.
- conceal
- hide
2 to point out (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to point to something or draw attention to it.

to point out or direct attention to something specifically.

Example

Please indicate which of these books you would like to borrow.

Example

The map uses small red icons to indicate the locations of historical landmarks throughout the city center.
- ignore

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3 medical symptoms (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

to be a sign of a specific illness or medical condition.

to manifest as a symptom or to suggest a particular treatment is necessary.

Example

A high fever can indicate that the body is fighting an infection.

Example

The patient's persistent cough and fatigue may indicate an underlying respiratory condition that requires further testing.
- signal
- suggest
- contraindicate
4 to signal while driving (v.)
B1 Intermediate British English

to use the lights on your car to show you are turning.

to use a vehicle's directional signals to inform other drivers of an intended change in direction.

Example

You should always indicate before you turn left at the junction.

Example

The driver failed to indicate before changing lanes, nearly causing a collision with the motorcyclist behind him.

Teacher's tip

In American English, 'signal' is much more common than 'indicate' for this specific action.
- signal

Origin

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.