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

Adams does not stop for meaning, his early minimalist style causing the words to flow over you whether in somber reflection or the wildness of wild nights that do, indeed, stop for death.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

And, oddly enough, in his first round as president, Donald Trump indeed seemed to have learned just such a lesson.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

And indeed what went on was bad by any standard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

By all measures, layoffs are indeed extremely low.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

They can indeed be mean, but they are wonderfully self-sufficient and fun to have around even if it takes about thirty of their small eggs to make a decent omelet.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

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