indicate

verb

IN-di-kayt/ˈɪndɪˌkeɪt/

Formsindicates, indicating, indicated

5 meanings of indicate

1
verbtransitive
To show something or point it out so that others can know it.
Like pointing your finger at something so people know where to look.
The arrows on the floor indicate the way to the exit.
She pointed at the map to indicate where they should go.
Similarshow, betoken, bespeak
Note
2
verbtransitive
To use a car's signal lights to show which way you are going to turn.
Like raising your hand to show which way you plan to move.
The driver indicated a right turn before changing lanes.
Always indicate your turn so other drivers know your plans.
Similarsignal
3
verbtransitive
To be a sign of an illness by showing certain symptoms.
Like dark clouds being a sign that rain is coming.
A high fever may indicate an infection.
Red spots across the skin indicate an allergic reaction.
Similarsuggest, signal, reveal, signify
Note
4
verbtransitive
To show that a certain medicine or treatment is the right one for a problem.
Like a sign that tells the doctor which treatment will help.
The test results indicate immediate treatment.
Severe pain may indicate surgery rather than rest.
Similarwarrant, necessitate, require
Oppositecontraindicate
Note
5
verbtransitive
To measure how well an engine is working using a special tool called an indicator.
The ship's engineer indicated the engines while the boat was going at full speed.
In their first week of training, the students learned how to indicate a steam engine.
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin indicō, meaning 'to point out' or 'show'. It comes from in- ('in, to') plus dicō ('to declare' or, originally, 'to point').