Indicator: meaning, definitions and examples

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indicator

[ˈɪndɪˌkeɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

economic

An indicator is a piece of economic data, such as the unemployment rate, that helps analysts and investors gauge the health of an economy or investment.

Synonyms

marker, sign, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indicator	Usually used in contexts where something reveals or points to a condition, trend, or situation. The rising temperature is an indicator of global warming. Economic indicators show a decline in employment rates.
signal	Usually used in contexts where something is communicated through a gesture, action, or sound, often intentionally. The fire alarm is a signal to evacuate the building. The coach gave the players a signal to start the play.
marker	Used to indicate a position, some form of future events or important points in time, often in more informal or everyday contexts. The monument acts as a marker for the battle that took place here. Use the bookmark as a marker to keep your place in the book.
sign	Commonly used to signal the existence or occurrence of an event, condition, or situation, often visible or observable. Dark clouds are a sign that it might rain soon. Yawning can be a sign that someone is tired.

Examples of usage

The GDP growth rate is a key indicator of a country's economic performance.
Unemployment rate is an important indicator of the overall health of the labor market.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

measurement

An indicator is a device or substance that provides information about a particular condition or parameter.

Synonyms

gauge, measure, meter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indicator	Used to refer to something that provides a sign or signal of a situation or level of a factor. The economic indicators showed a decline in the country's GDP. The temperature indicator on the dashboard flashed red.
gauge	Commonly used to refer to devices or instruments that measure and display values, such as pressure, depth, or temperature, often used in more mechanical or industrial settings. The fuel gauge shows that the tank is nearly empty. A pressure gauge is used to monitor the status of the hydraulic system.
meter	Typically used when referring to devices that record and display measurements, often used in scientific, utility, or commercial contexts. The electricity meter was checked for accurate billing. A speedometer is a type of meter used to measure the speed of a vehicle.
measure	Often used as a verb in general contexts to denote the act of determining the size, amount, or degree of something, but can also be a noun referring to standards or actions taken to achieve a result. It's important to measure the ingredients accurately while baking. They implemented new safety measures in the workplace.

Examples of usage

The color change of the litmus paper is an indicator of the pH level.
A thermometer is an indicator of temperature.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

visual

An indicator can also refer to a light or display on a device that shows the status or function of the device.

Synonyms

display, light, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indicator	Used in both technical and everyday language to signify something that shows the status or condition of something else. The fuel gauge is an indicator of how much gas is left in the car The rising unemployment rate is an indicator of economic trouble
light	Typically refers to a source of illumination or sometimes a visual symbol that conveys information, especially in control panels or everyday objects. The traffic light turned red, so we stopped the car The light on my coffee machine indicates it’s ready
display	Commonly used in the context of showing information visually, often on screens or physical boards. The display on my phone shows the time and notifications The art museum has a beautiful display of paintings
signal	Often describes a transmission or an action taken to convey information or instructions, frequently used in both technical and everyday settings. The radio signal was weak and full of static Raising his hand was a signal for the team to proceed

Examples of usage

The indicator light on the dashboard shows when the engine is overheating.
The battery indicator on the phone displays the remaining battery power.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'indicator', meaning 'one who points out'.
It has been used in English since the late 14th century, mostly in contexts related to guidance and direction.

Science

In chemistry, indicators are substances that change color in response to changes in pH, helping scientists know if a solution is acidic or basic.
Indicator species in ecology are used to assess the health of an environment – their presence or absence can signal changes in ecosystem conditions.

Finance

In economics, indicators like GDP (Gross Domestic Product) are essential for determining a country's economic health.
Technical indicators in stock trading help investors analyze market trends and make predictions about future prices.

Psychology

Behavioral indicators, like body language, often provide insight into a person’s feelings or intentions without them saying a word.
Mood indicators, such as smiley faces, are commonly used to help individuals express their emotional states in various settings.

Pop Culture

In movies and books, indicators like music cues often signal whether a scene is happy or sad, guiding audience emotions.
The iconic thumbs up or down in film rating systems has become a cultural indicator of quality or enjoyment.

Translations

Translations of the word "indicator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indicador

🇮🇳 सूचक

🇩🇪 Indikator

🇮🇩 indikator

🇺🇦 індикатор

🇵🇱 wskaźnik

🇯🇵 指標 (しひょう)

🇫🇷 indicateur

🇪🇸 indicador

🇹🇷 gösterge

🇰🇷 지표

🇸🇦 مؤشر

🇨🇿 indikátor

🇸🇰 indikátor

🇨🇳 指标 (zhǐbiāo)

🇸🇮 kazalnik

🇮🇸 vísir

🇰🇿 көрсеткіш

🇬🇪 ინდიკატორი

🇦🇿 göstərici

🇲🇽 indicador

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,195 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5192 consult
5193 geometry
5194 drain
5195 indicator
5196 margins
5197 surgeon
5198 slender
...