indicate

verb/ˈɪn.də.keɪt/
Meaning and evidence

To show, suggest, or point to a fact or idea.

indicate thatclearly indicateseem to indicate

ExampleThe speaker's tone may indicate that she is unsure about the plan.

ExampleThe arrows in the picture indicate the correct direction.

Usage Scenarios

Explaining visual evidence

Use indicate when an image detail points to an idea or situation.

ExampleThe backpacks indicate that the people are probably students.

Interpreting tone or text

Recognize it when a speaker's tone or a sentence suggests meaning.

ExampleHer tone indicates that she is disappointed with the final decision.

Usage Guide

Recognize indicate when one detail points to a meaning. In DET tasks, it can connect images, short texts, charts, signs, tone of voice, or passage evidence to a conclusion.

The most useful pattern is indicate that + sentence. You can also say seem to indicate when you want to be careful because the evidence suggests something but does not prove it.

Indicate is more academic than show. It helps your answer sound precise, especially when you explain what a visual detail or sentence means.

Word Forms & Word Building

Indicate contains the dic-/dict idea of saying or pointing out. In test answers, it often means a detail says something indirectly.

Indication is formed with the noun suffix -ion and means a sign or piece of evidence: an indication of progress.

Indicative uses the adjective suffix -ive and means showing or suggesting something, as in indicative of a larger trend.

Meaning Boundaries

Indicate vs show

Show is broad and simple. Indicate often means show indirectly through evidence, signs, or details.

Indicate vs mean

Mean gives a direct definition. Indicate suggests or points toward a conclusion.

Register

Indicate is neutral to formal. It works well in DET writing, reading explanations, and image descriptions.

Best contexts

Use indicate with signs, arrows, tone, evidence, data, visual details, results, or behavior.

Memory Tricks

Think of indicate as point to meaning. A detail points beyond itself to an idea.

Use the safe frame: This indicates that + sentence. It is useful in picture description and short writing.

When uncertain, use may indicate or seems to indicate. This keeps your inference careful.

Common Traps

Do not write indicate to that. Use indicate that.

Do not use indicate when you mean say directly unless the sentence truly reports a sign or suggestion.

Remember the third-person form: the detail indicates, not the detail indicate.