What is indicate? Pronunciation and usage in English

indicate means . Learn how to pronounce and use indicate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of indicate

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/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of indicate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "indicate" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ɪnˈdɪkeɪt/

Let's break that down into syllables:

  • /ɪn/ - Like the "in" in "tin" or "win" - a short, unstressed vowel sound.
  • /ˈdɪ/ - This is the stressed syllable. It's pronounced like "die" - a short, clear "i" sound. The 'ˈ' symbol means "primary stress" – it’s the loudest and most emphasized syllable.
  • /keɪ/ - Like "key" - a diphthong (a gliding vowel sound).
  • /t/ - A simple "t" sound.

2. How to Say It Step-by-Step:

  1. "in": Say "in" quickly and lightly.
  2. "die": Clearly and slightly louder, pronounce the "i" as in "die". This is the most important syllable.
  3. "key": Say "key" - the vowel sounds slightly like the "ay" in "day." Don't over-emphasize this syllable.
  4. "t": A short, crisp "t" sound.

3. Putting It Together - A Smooth Flow:

Try saying it smoothly, connecting the sounds: "in-die-keyt"

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t over-emphasize the “key”: It's tempting to say “in-dee-KEY-it,” but that’s not correct. It's a subtle “key” sound.
  • Short “i” in “die”: Make sure the “i” in “die” is clear and short, not a long “ay” sound.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. You can find pronunciations on:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • What specifically are you struggling with in pronouncing it? (e.g., the "key" sound, the stress, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word indicate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "indicate" in English. It's a versatile word with a couple of core meanings, but it generally means to point out or show something.

1. Core Meaning: To Point Out or Show

  • As a Verb (most common use): “Indicate” primarily means to show something, often visually or through a sign.

    • Example 1: "The arrow on the map indicates the location of the nearest restaurant." (The arrow shows the restaurant's location.)
    • Example 2: "Her sad expression indicated that she was feeling unwell." (Her expression showed her sadness.)
    • Example 3: "The rising temperature indicated a change in the weather." (The temperature showed a rising trend.)

2. More Formal Meaning: To Suggest or Imply

  • As a Verb (more about ideas and concepts): "Indicate" can also mean to suggest or imply something, often without stating it directly. This is a more refined and formal usage.

    • Example 1: "The patient’s symptoms indicated a serious illness." (The symptoms suggested the possibility of a serious illness, even if a diagnosis wasn't yet confirmed.)
    • Example 2: "The company's profits indicated a strong recovery in the economy." (The profits implied that the economy was improving.)
    • Example 3: "The data indicated a need for further investigation." (The data suggested the need for more research.)

3. As a Noun (less common, but important to know)

  • As a Noun: “Indication” is the noun form of “indicate.” It refers to something that suggests or shows something else.

    • Example: "The warning light indicated that there was a problem with the engine." (The light was the indication of a problem.)
    • Example: "The doctor’s report provided valuable indications of the patient’s condition." (The report gave clues – indications - about the patient's health.)

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To show, point out (visually) “The sign indicates the speed limit.”
Verb To suggest, imply “His silence indicated disapproval.”
Noun Something that shows or suggests “The rising stock price was an indication of success.”

Tips for Using "Indicate":

  • Consider the Context: Pay attention to whether you need to describe a physical indication or a more subtle suggestion.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you might also consider using words like: show, reveal, demonstrate, suggest, imply, point to, signal.
  • Avoid Overuse: While it's a useful word, sometimes simpler words like "show" or "suggest" might be more direct and clear.

Could you give me a sentence where you'd like to use the word "indicate," so I can help you refine it or give you more targeted advice? For example, "I want to write a sentence about how the weather forecast indicates rain."

Synonyms for the word indicate

Practice with vocabulary indicate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The recent economic figures strongly ______ a potential recession in the coming quarter.
  2. During the meeting, the CEO plans to ______ the company's new strategic direction for the next fiscal year.
  3. Studies have begun to ______ that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
  4. The preliminary findings of the research ______ a need for further investigation into the environmental impact.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The latest economic data strongly ______ a potential for market volatility. A) predict B) indicate C) conceal D) disregard

  2. To ______ your availability for the meeting, please update the calendar invitation. A) indicate B) specify C) communicate D) imply

  3. During the presentation, the speaker used hand gestures to ______ the direction of growth. A) illustrate B) designate C) indicate D) articulate

  4. The manager asked the team to ______ the key challenges they anticipate for the project. A) enumerate B) elaborate on C) obscure D) neglect

  5. Her facial expression seemed to ______ her disapproval of the proposal, even though she didn't say anything. A) articulate B) portray C) betray D) signify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The presence of certain chemicals in the water shows a high level of pollution. (Rewrite using a form of "indicate")

  2. Scientists presented evidence that suggests a link between climate change and extreme weather events. (Rewrite using a form of "indicate")

  3. The graph clearly illustrates the company's steady growth over the past decade. (Rewrite, but do not use "indicate" or its forms. Use a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The recent economic figures strongly indicate a potential recession in the coming quarter.
  2. During the meeting, the CEO plans to outline the company's new strategic direction for the next fiscal year.
  3. Studies have begun to indicate that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
  4. The preliminary findings of the research suggest a need for further investigation into the environmental impact.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) indicate
  2. A) indicate, B) specify, C) communicate
  3. C) indicate
  4. A) enumerate, B) elaborate on
  5. C) betray, D) signify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The presence of certain chemicals in the water indicates a high level of pollution.
  2. There are indications from scientific evidence of a link between climate change and extreme weather events.
  3. The graph clearly demonstrates the company's steady growth over the past decade.

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