indication

/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən/ (ame, mw)

indication — noun

  • indicationsingular
  • indicationsplural

1. Something that gives you information about what is true, what someone feels or t

1.名詞B2
釋義

Something that gives you information about what is true, what someone feels or thinks, or what is going to happen.

例句

Walid saw no indication that anyone had entered the house since morning.

indication + that-clause for signs about events

Mayumi's red eyes were a clear indication that she had been crying.

同義詞
  • sign

    The most common and general word; 'indication' is slightly more formal and often used for less obvious evidence.

  • clue

    Suggests a piece of evidence used to solve a mystery or puzzle; 'indication' is broader and not limited to mysteries.

  • hint

    Weaker and more indirect than 'indication'; a hint is subtle, while an indication can be clear and direct.

文法句型

indication + of + noun phrase

indication + that-clause

用法筆記

Often used in fixed phrases like 'there is every indication that' and 'give every indication of' to emphasise strong evidence. The preposition 'of' introduces the thing being indicated, while 'that' introduces a full clause.

常見錯誤

❌He gave me an indication about the history of the city.
✅He gave me information about the history of the city.
💡'indication' means a clue or sign, not a detailed explanation.
❌The weather gave an indication for rain.
✅The weather gave an indication of rain.
💡When talking about signs of something, use 'of', not 'for'.

2. What the facts or circumstances show should be done — the most suitable or neces

2.名詞B2
釋義

What the facts or circumstances show should be done — the most suitable or necessary action in a particular situation.

例句

The nurse gave a clear indication that Cyrus should rest in bed for a week.

indication + that-clause for suggested action

Falling sales were a strong indication that the company needed a fresh marketing plan.

同義詞
  • signal

    More deliberate and direct; a signal is consciously given, while an indication may be an unintentional sign of what to do.

  • cue

    Strongly implies a prompt for a specific action, especially in performance or sequential tasks.

文法句型

indication + that-clause

indication + to-infinitive

take + noun phrase + as an indication + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1 (SIGN OR CLUE), this sense carries the meaning of a recommendation — the situation itself points toward a necessary action. Often replaceable with signal or cue. Common in professional and planning contexts.

常見錯誤

❌My manager gave me an indication to finish the report by noon.
✅My manager instructed me to finish the report by noon.
💡If someone has authority to order you, use 'instruct' or 'tell'. 'Indication' only suggests what is advisable.

3. A physical sign that tells a doctor which kind of medical care is suitable or ne

3.名詞C1
釋義

A physical sign that tells a doctor which kind of medical care is suitable or necessary.

例句

A fever above forty degrees is a strong indication for using this medicine.

indication + for + noun phrase (medical context)

The test results gave Dr. Okafor enough indication to begin treatment at once.

同義詞
  • symptom

    Broader term for any sign of illness; 'indication' is narrower — it specifically justifies a treatment, not just describes a condition.

反義詞

文法句型

indication + for + noun phrase

用法筆記

Primarily a medical term used by doctors and healthcare professionals. Unlike sense 1, which focuses on any sign of truth or events, this sense is restricted to symptoms that justify a specific treatment or procedure.

常見錯誤

❌The patient's headache was an indication for a cold.
✅The patient's headache was a symptom of a cold.
💡Use 'symptom of' for describing what illness a person has; use 'indication for' for which treatment is needed.