# indicate

/ˈɪndəˌkeɪt/ (US) · /ˈɪndɪkˌeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indicate
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to show or suggest

verb · CEFR B1 · Academic

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

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

- 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.

### 2. to point out

verb · CEFR B1

to point to something or draw attention to it.

For teachers: to point out or direct attention to something specifically.

- 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.

### 3. medical symptoms

verb · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

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

- 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.

### 4. to signal while driving

verb · CEFR B1 · British English

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- A high temperature can indicate an infection.
- The latest economic data indicate that inflation is finally starting to slow down across the region.
- While these preliminary results indicate a positive trend, researchers must conduct further trials to determine if the treatment is effective for the wider population.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.