Indicating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indicating

[ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in communication

To show or make known something. To be a sign or symbol of something.

Synonyms

demonstrate, reveal, show, signify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indicating	Use in situations where you want to point out or signal something directly or clearly. Often used in formal settings or written instructions. The signs indicating the exit were very clear. The temperature drop is indicating a change in the weather.
show	A versatile word used in many contexts to present or display information, actions, or emotions. It is less formal than 'demonstrate'. She will show us her vacation photos tonight. His smile showed that he was happy.
reveal	Suitable for situations where you want to uncover or make something known that was previously hidden or unknown. Often used for dramatic or important information. The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show. The investigation revealed that there was corruption in the company.
signify	Ideal for situations where something stands for, represents, or means something else. Often used in more abstract or symbolic contexts. The red color of the flag signifies courage and sacrifice. Nods and smiles often signify agreement.
demonstrate	Best used when you want to show how something is done or to prove a point clearly, often through actions, experiments, or examples. The teacher will demonstrate the experiment in class tomorrow. He demonstrated great leadership during the crisis.

Examples of usage

His silence indicated his disapproval.
The red light indicates that the battery is low.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a physical or visible way

To point out or point to something. To serve as a sign or signal.

Synonyms

direct, point out, point to, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indicating	Use this word when you want to show or suggest something indirectly or imply a certain situation without explicitly stating it. The red light is indicating that you should stop Her tone of voice is indicating that she is upset
point out	Choose this phrase when you specifically highlight something for someone, often to bring it to their attention. I just want to point out that the meeting starts at 9 AM She pointed out the mistakes in my essay
signal	Use this when referring to a gesture, action, or sound to convey a message or instruction, often non-verbally. He gave a signal to start the presentation The flashing lights signal that the store is closing
point to	This is appropriate when physically indicating something or suggesting a cause or reason for something more abstractly. She asked him to point to the map location All signs point to a severe weather event tomorrow
direct	This word fits when giving specific instructions or guiding someone clearly towards a particular direction or action. Please direct the guests to their seats The manager will direct the team on how to complete the project

Examples of usage

The signs indicated the direction of the nearest exit.
The compass needle indicated north.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

In communication, indicating can involve non-verbal cues, like pointing or gestures, which can often convey emotions more strongly than words.
Research shows that people tend to respond to non-verbal indications faster than verbal ones, highlighting the power of body language.
Indicating emotions through expressions can help build connections, fostering understanding between individuals.

Science

In statistics, indicating can refer to signaling trends or patterns within data sets, guiding researchers to conclusions.
In the realm of physics, indicators often refer to measurements that help represent physical properties, such as speed or direction.
The use of indicators is crucial in experiments, as they shape how scientists interpret the results of their studies.

Education

Teachers often employ indicating methods during lessons (like pointing at a whiteboard) to help students focus on important concepts.
In reading, indicators such as headings and bullet points help guide students through the material, making it easier to understand.
Using visuals as indicators in education can significantly enhance learning by providing clear signals of key information.

Technology

In software design, indicating messages guide users through processes, ensuring they understand what to do next.
Indicators are essential in user experience (UX) design, affecting how intuitively a user can navigate an app or website.
The concept of 'indicating' in programming often refers to triggers that alert functions to respond or execute tasks.

Origin of 'indicating'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Latin 'indicāre', which means to make known or to show.
The prefix 'in-' often means 'in' or 'on', while 'dicare' relates to speaking or declaring.
The term has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving from its Latin roots.

The word 'indicating' comes from the Latin word 'indicatus', which means to point out or make known. The use of 'indicating' in English dates back to the late 16th century. It has been used in various contexts to show or signal something, both in communication and in a physical sense.

See also: indication, indicative, indicator.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,010, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3007 prisoners
3008 competent
3009 closing
3010 indicating
3011 attractive
3012 blind
3013 implications
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