indeed

American  

[in-deed] / ɪnˈdid /

adverb

1. in fact; in reality; in truth; truly (used for emphasis, to confirm and amplify a previous statement, to indicate a concession or admission, or, interrogatively, to obtain confirmation).

   Indeed, it did rain as hard as predicted. Did you indeed finish the work?

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interjection

1. (used as an expression of surprise, incredulity, irony, etc.).

   Indeed! I can scarcely believe it.

indeed British  

/ ɪnˈdiːd /

1. certainly; actually

   indeed, it may never happen

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adverb

1. (intensifier)

   that is indeed amazing

2. or rather; what is more

   a comfortable, indeed extremely wealthy family

interjection

1. an expression of doubt, surprise, etc

Etymology

Origin of indeed

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; originally phrase in deed

Explanation

Use the word indeed to add emphasis to a statement. Think if it as another way to say: "That's right," or "Oh, yeah." Are you seriously going to eat that entire chocolate cake? Indeed, I am. Indeed originates from the phrase in dede meaning "in fact, in truth." When you use the word indeed, you are underscoring that something is true. The word is also used when you want to introduce a point that's even truer than the last one you made. "Yes, I passed the test, and indeed, got the highest score in the class." In other words, it's a polite way to say, "Take that!"

Example Sentences

Since January 2025, manufacturing jobs have indeed fallen by about 100,000 workers, or roughly 0.6%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

And indeed, for 45 minutes or so last Saturday, it seemed like that was what he’d come to do as he sang new song after new song on Coachella’s giant main stage.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Yet there are still many unanswered questions about whether talks will indeed happen and what a possible truce might look like, with both sides seeking vastly different demands.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

But his critique of the pontiff suggests that it was not — that he does indeed think he would be better at the job of than Leo.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

Many people believed that this was indeed the expedition that would bring home the prize, and Franklin and his men were sent into the Arctic aboard two extraordinary ships.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• absolutely
• certainly
• easily
• naturally
• really
• surely
• truly
• undeniably
• undoubtedly
• very
• very much