Indicate Meaning
Indicate Definition & Usage
To show, point out, or make something known, often through signs, signals, or other indicators.
Examples
- "The doctor indicated the need for more tests."
- "A small arrow on the map indicates the location of the building."
- "His raised hand indicated that he wanted to speak."
- "The red light on the dashboard indicates a problem with the engine."
- "The gesture indicated that the conversation should end."
To state or express something in a clear and direct manner, often in a formal or official setting.
Examples
- "The report indicates that the company has seen a 20% increase in profits."
- "The letter clearly indicates her intention to resign."
- "The data indicates that the project will be completed ahead of schedule."
- "The study indicates a correlation between sleep and productivity."
- "The results of the test indicate that no further action is required."
To represent or express something mathematically, such as a relationship, result, or change.
Examples
- "The equation indicates the relationship between force and acceleration."
- "The graph indicates a steady decline in temperature."
- "The data points on the chart indicate a positive trend over time."
- "The formula indicates how the variables interact."
- "The curve on the graph indicates the rate of change in the population."
Cultural Context
The word 'indicate' comes from the Latin word 'indicare', which means 'to point out or to show'. It is widely used in everyday speech, as well as in more specialized contexts like science, medicine, and mathematics. It can describe both physical signs and more abstract representations of information.
The Unseen Signals
Story
The Unseen Signals
At the heart of a bustling city, a small café was nestled between towering buildings. Inside, Ellie, a young graphic designer, sat at her usual spot by the window. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Outside, the sky was darkening, and the street lights blinked on one by one. It was as though the city itself was trying to indicate something, but what was it? Ellie had been working on a design project for weeks, but today, the inspiration seemed elusive. Her phone buzzed, a message from her colleague Mark popped up: 'The report indicates that we are behind schedule.' She sighed, rubbing her temples. It was a reminder of the pressure she felt, but she didn’t want to dwell on it. She needed to focus. Suddenly, Ellie noticed something—a small red arrow painted on the ground outside. It pointed toward a narrow alley, one she'd never noticed before. Intrigued, she decided to step outside and follow it. As she walked down the alley, the signs became clearer. Each corner she turned revealed more arrows, each one indicating her path with precision. The alley led her to a quiet courtyard where a street artist was setting up an impromptu exhibition. His artwork, a vibrant collection of geometric shapes and abstract designs, seemed to mirror the very signs that had guided her here. Ellie smiled, realizing that sometimes, the city indicates its beauty in subtle ways, if only we’re willing to follow its lead. Later that evening, as she returned to her apartment, Ellie reflected on the strange turn of events. The arrows had not only indicated a path but had also symbolized something deeper—an invitation to look beyond the surface and notice the hidden beauty around her. She made a mental note to incorporate some of the abstract concepts she’d seen into her work the next day. The use of 'indicate' in this story captures its multiple meanings: showing a direction (the arrows), providing a formal declaration (the report), and pointing toward something hidden or subtle (the artist’s work).
Related Words
