Indicator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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indicator
[หษชndษชหkeษชtษr ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| indicator |
Usually used in contexts where something reveals or points to a condition, trend, or situation.
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| signal |
Usually used in contexts where something is communicated through a gesture, action, or sound, often intentionally.
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| marker |
Used to indicate a position, some form of future events or important points in time, often in more informal or everyday contexts.
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| sign |
Commonly used to signal the existence or occurrence of an event, condition, or situation, often visible or observable.
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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.
measurement
An indicator is a device or substance that provides information about a particular condition or parameter.
Synonyms
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.
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| 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.
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| meter |
Typically used when referring to devices that record and display measurements, often used in scientific, utility, or commercial contexts.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The color change of the litmus paper is an indicator of the pH level.
- A thermometer is an indicator of temperature.
visual
An indicator can also refer to a light or display on a device that shows the status or function of the device.
Synonyms
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.
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| light |
Typically refers to a source of illumination or sometimes a visual symbol that conveys information, especially in control panels or everyday objects.
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| display |
Commonly used in the context of showing information visually, often on screens or physical boards.
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| signal |
Often describes a transmission or an action taken to convey information or instructions, frequently used in both technical and everyday settings.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 โ 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 personโs 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.
Origin of 'indicator'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'indicator' originated from the Latin word 'indicฤre', which means 'to point out' or 'to show'. The term has been used in various contexts throughout history, from economics to science to technology. In the modern world, indicators play a crucial role in providing information and insights in different fields.
See also: indicating, indication, indicative.