indicate

[in-di-keyt]

verb (used with object)

indicated, indicating 

1. to be a sign of; betoken; evidence; show.

   His hesitation really indicates his doubt about the venture.

2. to point out or point to; direct attention to.

   to indicate a place on a map.

3. to show, as by measuring or recording; make known.

   The thermometer indicates air temperature.

   Synonyms: record, reveal, register

4. to state or express, especially briefly or in a general way; signal.

   He indicated his disapproval but did not go into detail.

5. Medicine/Medical.

   1. (of symptoms) to point out (a particular remedy, treatment, etc.) as suitable or necessary.

   2. to show the presence of (a condition, infection, etc.).

indicate

/ ˈɪndɪˌkeɪt, -trɪ, ɪnˈdɪkətərɪ /

verb

1. (may take a clause as object) to be or give a sign or symptom of; imply

   cold hands indicate a warm heart

2. to point out or show

3. (may take a clause as object) to state briefly; suggest

   he indicated what his feelings were

4. (of instruments) to show a reading of

   the speedometer indicated 50 miles per hour

5. (usually passive) to recommend or require

   surgery seems to be indicated for this patient

Other Word Forms

• indicatable adjective
• indicatory adjective
• interindicate verb (used with object)
• reindicate verb (used with object)
• unindicated adjective
• well-indicated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of indicate¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin indicātus, past participle of indicāre “to point, make known,” equivalent to indic- (stem of index ) “pointer, marker, informer” + -ātus past participle suffix; index, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of indicate¹

C17: from Latin indicāre to point out, from _in- ² + dicāre to proclaim; compare _index

Example Sentences

They might serve as a metaphor for highways, or neural networks indicating the reach of human imagination.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Meanwhile, other Fed officials have indicated they think that rate cuts can proceed.

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Reports indicate five million of those recipients were ineligible.

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Meanwhile, reports indicate that alongside urging Europe and India to halt purchases of Russian oil, Washington plans to share additional intelligence with Ukraine on Russian refineries, pipelines and other energy infrastructure.

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With no sign of a breakthrough, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that a weekend session was unlikely, saying he was unsure "if that does any good," news website Semafor reported.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• announce 
• argue 
• demonstrate 
• express 
• hint 
• illustrate 
• imply 
• make 
• mark 
• mean 
• pinpoint 
• point out 
• prove 
• reveal 
• show 
• signal 
• specify 
• suggest