indicate
/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪndɪkeɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin-də-ˌkāt/ (ame, mw)
indicate — verb
- indicatepresent simple I / you / we / they
- indicateshe / she / it
- indicatedpast simple
- indicating-ing form
1. to make a fact, situation, or future event known by providing evidence, by point
to make a fact, situation, or future event known by providing evidence, by pointing it out, or by serving as a sign of it
The latest survey indicates that most people support the new policy.
indicate + that-clause for showing evidence
Eli pointed to the chart and indicated the part with the highest sales.
indicate + noun phrase for pointing out
Dark clouds on the horizon usually indicate that a storm is coming.
In her email, Trang indicated that she might arrive late for the meeting.
The sign on the door clearly indicated the exit route during a fire.
- show
more general; 'show' can be physical or abstract; 'indicate' often implies indirect evidence
- suggest
weaker than 'indicate'; 'suggest' leaves more room for doubt
- demonstrate
stronger than 'indicate'; 'demonstrate' implies clear proof rather than just a sign
- point to
more figurative; common in discussions of evidence (e.g. 'the data points to...')
文法句型
indicate + that-clause
indicate + noun phrase
indicate + wh-clause
indicate + where/what/when
用法筆記
Also used with a wh-clause: 'The diagram indicates how the parts fit together.' The sense covers both physical pointing and abstract showing through data, signs, or words.
常見錯誤
2. to make other drivers aware of your plan to turn by using your vehicle's lights
to make other drivers aware of your plan to turn by using your vehicle's lights or a hand signal
Tunde indicated left before turning into the narrow lane.
indicate + left/right (intransitive)
Drivers in the UK must indicate right when leaving a roundabout.
indicate + direction (intransitive)
Arjun forgot to indicate his turn, so the car behind had to slow down suddenly.
The cyclist indicated her turn by raising her left arm.
Always indicate your intention clearly when changing lanes on the motorway.
- signal
more common in American English; 'signal' can also refer to the light itself (noun)
文法句型
indicate + noun phrase (direction)
indicate + that-clause
indicate (no object)
用法筆記
Commonly used without an object in British English ('Don't forget to indicate!'). In American English, 'signal' or 'use your turn signal' is more frequent than 'indicate' for this sense.
常見錯誤
3. to display a specific value, reading, or level on a gauge, meter, screen, or oth
to display a specific value, reading, or level on a gauge, meter, screen, or other measuring instrument
The thermometer indicated a temperature of thirty-eight degrees Celsius.
device + indicate + measurement
The dashboard display indicated that the battery level was getting low.
device + indicate + that-clause
When the needle on the gauge indicates zero, the tank is completely empty.
The speedometer indicated that Ramón was driving well over the limit.
A red light on the panel indicates when the machine is running too hot.
文法句型
device + indicate + measurement
device + indicate + that-clause
device + indicate + when/what/how
用法筆記
Subject is always a device, instrument, gauge, meter, or display. This sense is about literal readings, not figurative 'showing'. Distinguish from sense 1 (SHOW EVIDENCE), where the subject can be a person, study, or natural phenomenon.
4. to suggest that a particular medical treatment, procedure, or course of action i
to suggest that a particular medical treatment, procedure, or course of action is necessary or suitable based on the evidence
The blood test results indicated that she needed further treatment.
results + indicate + that-clause (medical)
Surgery is indicated only when other treatments have failed.
passive: treatment + be indicated + condition
The patient's symptoms clearly indicated a different approach to care.
In this case, the doctor indicated bed rest for at least a week.
His test scores indicated that he would benefit from extra tutoring.
- contraindicate
medical term meaning 'suggest that a treatment should not be used'
文法句型
be indicated for + condition
be indicated + noun (treatment)
indicate + that-clause
indicate + noun phrase
用法筆記
Very common in medical writing and guidelines, especially in the passive form 'X is indicated for Y'. The subject is typically a diagnosis, symptom, test result, or clinical guideline — not usually a person making a suggestion, though 'the doctor indicated' occurs in formal contexts.