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

"On this occasion, it wasn't and there may as well have been almost no wind at all. This would be quite unexpected and can indeed cause problems," he adds.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Shortly after informing Maguire he had indeed dropped out, Maguire invited him into Sequoia’s offices for a meeting.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

Rock is indeed alive and well at Coachella, especially as the fans kept singing “Seven Nation Army” after White and his band had left the stage and the set was over.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

It was a mystery indeed, but Penelope knew better than to raise the subject again.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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