indication
An indication is a sign or hint that something is true or is going to happen.
Explanation at your level:
An indication is a sign. If you see clouds, that is an indication that it will rain. It helps you know what is happening.
We use indication to talk about signs or clues. For example, if your friend smiles, it is an indication that they are happy. You can use it to explain why you think something is true.
An indication is a piece of information that suggests a fact or situation. It is more formal than saying 'sign.' You might say, 'There is no indication that the store is closed,' which means you have no evidence that it is shut.
In B2 English, indication is used to describe evidence that points toward a specific conclusion. It is frequently used in professional contexts, such as business or healthcare. It allows you to express uncertainty or probability with more precision than simple words like 'sign' or 'hint.'
At the C1 level, indication is often used in abstract contexts. It refers to subtle signals or markers that require observation and interpretation. It is common in academic writing to discuss 'indications of a trend' or 'indications of a shift in policy.' Using this word correctly demonstrates a command of formal register and analytical vocabulary.
At the mastery level, indication is understood as a nuanced marker of causality or existence. It is frequently employed in literary, legal, and scientific discourse to denote a signifier that points to a signified state. Its usage implies a level of critical thinking where the speaker is not just observing, but interpreting the 'indications' of a deeper underlying reality or systemic change.
30秒词汇
- Indication is a noun meaning a sign or hint.
- It is often used in formal or professional settings.
- It is related to the verb 'indicate'.
- Commonly used as 'an indication of'.
Think of an indication as a breadcrumb trail in a forest. It is a sign that helps you figure out what is going on or what might happen next. When we say something is an indication, we are essentially saying that it serves as evidence or a hint.
You will hear this word in many different settings. A doctor might look for an indication of illness, while a scientist looks for an indication of a chemical reaction. It is a very useful word because it sounds professional yet remains clear. It is not just a guess; it is based on something you can see or observe.
The word indication comes from the Latin word indicatio, which is derived from the verb indicare, meaning 'to point out' or 'to proclaim.' The root dicare is related to 'saying' or 'declaring.' Historically, it was used to describe the act of showing or pointing something out to others.
Over centuries, the word evolved through Old French before entering Middle English. It has kept its core meaning of 'pointing' or 'showing' throughout its entire journey. It is fascinating to see how a word that started as a simple physical gesture of pointing has become a sophisticated way to describe evidence and logical signs in modern English.
You will often see indication used with verbs like give, show, or provide. For example, 'The data provides a clear indication of growth.' It is a common word in business reports, academic papers, and even casual conversations about the weather or social situations.
In terms of register, it is considered neutral to formal. You would use it in a meeting or an essay, but it might sound a bit stiff if you are talking to a close friend at a party—where you might just say 'sign' or 'clue' instead. However, it is never 'wrong' to use it, as it adds a layer of precision to your speech.
While 'indication' itself isn't the core of many set idioms, it appears in common phrases:
- Clear indication: Used to emphasize that something is obvious.
- Give an indication: To provide a hint or sign.
- Early indication: A sign that appears at the start of a process.
- Strong indication: When evidence is very convincing.
- Medical indication: A specific reason to use a treatment or drug.
The word indication is a countable noun. You can have 'one indication' or 'several indications.' It is typically used with the indefinite article 'an' (an indication) or the definite article 'the' (the indication).
Pronunciation-wise, the stress falls on the third syllable: in-di-KAY-shun. It rhymes with words like foundation, creation, and sensation. In both British and American English, the pronunciation is quite similar, though the 't' sound may be softer in some American dialects.
Fun Fact
The root 'dicare' is also the source of 'dictator', someone who declares things.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'in' sound, 'di' is short, 'kay' is long, 'shun' at the end.
Similar to UK, but the 't' might be slightly flatter.
Common Errors
- stressing the wrong syllable (in-DI-ca-tion)
- mispronouncing the 'tion' ending
- swallowing the 'di' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy for intermediate readers.
Requires formal context.
Good for professional speech.
Easy to hear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
高级
Grammar to Know
Noun usage
An indication of success.
Article usage
An indication.
Prepositional phrases
Indication of [noun].
Examples by Level
The dark sky is an indication of rain.
dark sky = sign of rain
Use 'an' before indication.
He gave an indication of his plan.
he showed his plan
Verb + object.
Is there an indication?
is there a sign?
Simple question.
This is a good indication.
this is a good sign
Adjective + noun.
No indication of danger.
no sign of danger
Negative form.
The light is an indication.
the light is a sign
Subject + verb.
Look for an indication.
search for a sign
Imperative.
It is an indication of success.
it shows success
Prepositional phrase.
There was no indication that he was angry.
The results give an indication of the problem.
She gave no indication of her feelings.
The map provides an indication of the route.
His silence was an indication of his agreement.
We need an indication of the cost.
The red light is an indication to stop.
Is there any indication of life here?
The data provides a clear indication of market trends.
He showed no indication of wanting to leave.
The symptoms are a strong indication of a cold.
We are waiting for an indication from the manager.
The survey gives a good indication of public opinion.
There is every indication that the project will finish on time.
She gave a slight indication that she disagreed.
The report offers an indication of future growth.
The stock market drop is an indication of economic instability.
There is no medical indication for this surgery.
His tone gave a clear indication of his frustration.
The change in weather is an indication of the coming winter.
We have received an indication of their interest in the deal.
The findings provide a valuable indication of the species' health.
There is no indication of foul play in the investigation.
The lack of response is an indication of their lack of interest.
The subtle shifts in his language were an indication of his hidden agenda.
These statistics serve as a reliable indication of long-term performance.
There is little indication that the policy will be reversed.
The patient showed no clinical indication for further testing.
A decline in sales is often an indication of market saturation.
His behavior gave a strong indication of his underlying anxiety.
The findings are a clear indication of the theory's validity.
We lack any concrete indication of what happened next.
The artifact provides a profound indication of the civilization's technological prowess.
The subtle nuance in her tone was a clear indication of her skepticism.
The systemic failure is an indication of deeper structural issues.
There is no empirical indication to support this hypothesis.
The sudden silence was a chilling indication of the impending danger.
These indicators provide a holistic indication of the nation's well-being.
The artist's work is an indication of the era's cultural shift.
An indication of progress is not always a guarantee of success.
常见搭配
Idioms & Expressions
"give a sign"
to show something
He gave a sign that he was ready.
neutral"point the way"
to show the direction
The map points the way.
neutral"show one's hand"
to reveal one's intentions
He didn't want to show his hand.
idiomatic"read the signs"
to interpret the situation
You need to read the signs.
neutral"give a hint"
to suggest something
She gave a hint of her plan.
neutral"write on the wall"
an indication of doom
The writing is on the wall.
literaryEasily Confused
similar root
indicator is a tool, indication is the sign
The indicator (tool) gave an indication (sign).
similar meaning
sign is broader and simpler
A sign (general) vs. an indication (specific).
similar meaning
hint is smaller and less formal
A hint (small) vs. an indication (evidence).
similar meaning
evidence is stronger proof
Evidence (proof) vs. an indication (suggestion).
Sentence Patterns
There is an indication that...
There is an indication that it will snow.
Give an indication of...
Give an indication of your budget.
Show an indication of...
He showed an indication of regret.
Provide an indication of...
The report provides an indication of growth.
No indication of...
There is no indication of life.
词族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
相关
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
常见错误
Indication is only a noun.
The preposition 'of' is followed by a noun or gerund.
An indicator is the measuring device.
It follows standard plural rules.
Indication is more abstract.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant finger pointing at a signpost.
When Native Speakers Use It
In meetings and formal reports.
Cultural Insight
Used heavily in medical and legal fields.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'an' before it.
Say It Right
Focus on the KAY sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it as a verb.
Did You Know?
It shares a root with 'dictator'.
Study Smart
Learn it with 'indicative' and 'indicate'.
Writing Tip
Use it to add authority to your claims.
Listening Tip
Listen for it in news reports.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
IN-DI-CATE: I-N-D-I-C-A-T-E (I point at the date).
Visual Association
A finger pointing at a calendar.
Word Web
挑战
Write three sentences using 'indication' about your day.
词源
Latin
Original meaning: To point out or declare
文化背景
None, it is a neutral, professional term.
Commonly used in formal reports and medical diagnosis.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Medical
- clinical indication
- no indication for surgery
- primary indication
Business
- indication of interest
- early indication of trends
- clear indication of success
Academic
- empirical indication
- theoretical indication
- provide an indication
Daily Life
- no indication of trouble
- gave an indication of time
- clear indication of mood
Conversation Starters
"What is an indication that summer is coming?"
"Can you give an indication of your favorite hobby?"
"Is there any indication that it will rain today?"
"What is a clear indication of a good friend?"
"Have you ever seen an indication of something strange?"
Journal Prompts
Describe an indication of change in your life.
What is a clear indication of success to you?
Write about an indication of autumn you saw today.
How do you give an indication of your feelings?
常见问题
8 个问题No, it is a noun. The verb is indicate.
Yes, but 'indication' is more formal.
Indications.
In-di-KAY-shun.
Yes.
Indicative.
When you want to sound more precise or professional.
Yes, it is used frequently in formal English.
自我测试
Dark clouds are an ___ of rain.
Indication is the sign of rain.
Which word means a sign or clue?
Indication is a synonym for sign.
Indication is a verb.
Indication is a noun. The verb is indicate.
Word
意思
These are common collocations.
This is an indication of success.
There was no ___ of his intentions.
We need a noun here.
Indication can be used interchangeably with 'proof' in all contexts.
Indication is usually weaker than proof.
Which is the correct adjective form?
Indicative is the correct adjective.
The data is ___ of a shift in the market.
We need an adjective after 'is'.
There is no empirical indication that...
得分： /10
Summary
An indication is a sign that helps you understand what is happening.
- Indication is a noun meaning a sign or hint.
- It is often used in formal or professional settings.
- It is related to the verb 'indicate'.
- Commonly used as 'an indication of'.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant finger pointing at a signpost.
When Native Speakers Use It
In meetings and formal reports.
Cultural Insight
Used heavily in medical and legal fields.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'an' before it.
例句
The dark clouds provided a clear indication that a storm was approaching.
Related Content
这个词在其他语言中
相关表达
更多Communication词汇
aah
A1这是表示宽慰、满意或高兴时发出的声音。有时也用来表示疼痛或惊讶。
accentuate
C1To make a particular feature of something more noticeable or prominent. It is frequently used to describe how one thing emphasizes the beauty, importance, or intensity of another.
acknowledgment
B2An acknowledgment is the act of accepting or admitting that something is true, or a formal statement confirming that something has been received. It can also refer to a public expression of thanks for someone's help or contribution.
actually
B1Actually is used to emphasize that something is a real fact or the truth, often contrasting with what was thought or said. It can also be used to introduce a surprising piece of information or to gently correct someone.
address
A2直接和某人说话，或者处理某个问题。也可以指发表演讲，或者在信封上写地址。
addressee
B2The person or organization to whom a letter, package, or message is addressed. It refers to the intended recipient of a piece of communication.
adlocment
C1Describes a style of communication or behavior that is formal, directed, and oratorical in nature, specifically pertaining to a public address or a declamatory speech. It is used to characterize language that is intentionally designed to be heard by an audience for the purpose of instruction or inspiration.
adloctude
C1形容一种正式且直接的交流风格，既平易近人又保持着权威感。
admonish
C1To firmly warn or reprimand someone for their behavior, or to advise someone earnestly to do or avoid something. It often implies a sense of moral guidance or authoritative concern rather than just anger.
adpassant
C1To mention or address a secondary topic briefly and incidentally while focused on a primary task or discussion. It describes an action that occurs seamlessly 'in passing' without disrupting the main narrative or workflow.
