indication
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a sign that shows something is true or likely to happen.
a sign, suggestion, or piece of evidence that indicates the presence or likelihood of something.
Simple“The dark clouds were a clear indication that a storm was coming.”
In context“The sudden drop in consumer spending provided a strong indication that the economy was entering a period of stagnation.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'of' or a 'that' clause.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a symptom or medical reason that shows a specific treatment or medicine is necessary.
a symptom or condition that makes a particular treatment, test, or medication advisable.
Simple“Severe chest pain is a primary indication for an immediate heart scan.”
In context“The clinical guidelines list chronic inflammation as a primary indication for the administration of this specific biological therapy.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'indications for'.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
an estimate of what the price of a stock or bond will be when trading starts.
a non-binding estimate of the price at which a security is expected to trade when the market opens.
Simple“The broker gave us an indication of the opening price for the new shares.”
In context“Market makers provided a preliminary indication of the stock's value, though the actual opening price fluctuated due to high overnight demand.”
“Along with the droppings and camera trap evidence, burrows in the mud bank are also a good indication of the population.”
“Time and again, Rubenhold has to admit to the limitations of life-writing when her research meets a dead end: “is unknown”…“is a mystery”… “There is no indication of how” …“is uncertain”…“will never be known”.”
From Old French indication, from Latin indicātiō (“a showing, indicating the value of something; valuation”), from indicō (“point out, indicate, show; value”); see indicate; compare French indication, Spanish indicación, Italian indicazione. By surface analysis, indicate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.