indicate
gb/ˈɪndɪkˌeɪt/ us/ˈɪndɪkˌeɪt/
A2
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
show or point out something
To show or say something so that it is clear to others.
Usage pattern:
to indicate [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'indicate' with 'suggest' when talking about giving advice. 'Indicate' is about showing evidence or pointing out facts, not giving recommendations.
Synonyms
show (More general and can be visual or abstract.)
|
point out (Often more direct and specific than 'indicate'.)
Antonyms
hide (To keep something from being seen or known.)
Collocations
indicate clearly
|indicate a problem
|indicate the need
|indicate support
|indicate direction
Themes
communication
|information
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The data indicate a rise in unemployment.
- She indicated the correct road to take.
- His tone indicated that he was upset.
- The report indicates a need for further research.
Learner examples
- The map indicates the location of the hotel.
- He indicated the door with his hand.
- The sign indicates where to park.
- Her face indicated she was happy.
Verb
A2
action
2
signal with a gesture or device
To use your hand, head, lights, or another signal to tell someone something.
Usage pattern:
to indicate [direction/intention]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes forget that in driving contexts 'indicate' means using turn signals, not just pointing by hand.
Synonyms
signal (Common in driving and physical gestures; broader use than 'indicate'.)
Antonyms
ignore (To not give any sign or signal.)
Collocations
indicate left
|indicate right
|indicate with a nod
Themes
transportation
|communication
|daily_life
Examples
- He indicated left before turning the car.
- She indicated the chair for him to sit in.
- The guard indicated that we should stop.
Learner examples
- I indicated right before I turned.
- She indicated the empty seat for me.
- He indicated with his hand to be quiet.
Verb
formal
B2
action
3
suggest something is necessary
To say that something should be done because of facts or evidence.
Usage pattern:
to indicate that [action] is needed
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this formal usage with simply pointing out; here it has a sense of necessity based on evidence.
Synonyms
recommend (Implies giving advice based on judgment rather than evidence alone.)
|
advocate (Stronger and more persuasive than 'indicate'.)
Antonyms
discourage (To advise against doing something.)
Collocations
indicate treatment
|indicate surgery
|indicate further action
Themes
medicine
|science
|decision-making
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The symptoms indicate immediate surgery.
- The test results indicate further investigation is required.
- This level of damage indicates replacing the whole system.
Learner examples
- The doctor indicated rest for two weeks.
- The test indicates we need more checks.
- The report indicated changes were needed.
Grammar
Dictionary form
indicate
IPA
GB/ˈɪndɪkˌeɪt/
US/ˈɪndɪkˌeɪt/
Syllables & stress
in - dic - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (in)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: indicate
- 3rd Person Singular: indicates
- Present Participle: indicating
- Past: indicated
Word family
Forms
indicates
verb
indicating
verb
indicated
verb
Core family
indication
noun B1
Related words
indicator
noun B2
indicative
adjective
Expressions
indicate clearly
1/ˈɪndɪkˌeɪt klˈɪɹli/
fixed phrase
show clearly or without doubt
To make something easy to understand or see by showing it well.
Examples
- The results indicate clearly that more work is needed.
- She indicated clearly which option she preferred.
indicate direction
1/ˈɪndɪkˌeɪt dɪɹˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
show which way to go
To give a sign, gesture, or instruction about where to move or travel.
Examples
- The signs indicate direction to the nearest exit.
- He indicated direction with his arm.
indicate interest
1/ˈɪndɪkˌeɪt ˈɪntɚˌɛst/
fixed phrase
show that you are interested
To say or do something that shows you want to know more or be involved in something.
Examples
- Several companies have indicated interest in the project.
- If you indicate interest, we will send you more details.