Indication: Definition, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：a sign or evidence (indication)

indication 🔊

/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/

Something that shows or suggests something is true or exists.

Doctor pointing at thermometer as indication of fever symptom

a sign or evidence 🔊

➕

/ə saɪn ɔːr ˈɛvɪdəns/

An indication is a piece of information or sign that suggests something is true or likely to happen. It can be a symptom, a clue, or any observable evidence.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

in- (towards) + dicare (proclaim) + -ation (noun suffix) => a pointing out.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'in-dic-ation': 'dic' like 'dict' (say) – it's something that 'says' inside, pointing to a fact.

📖 Example

The doctor said that a high cholesterol level can be an indication of potential heart problems. 🔊 The doctor said that a high cholesterol level can be an indication of potential heart problems.

🔗 Collocations

clear indication – an obvious sign or signal

strong indication – a powerful piece of evidence suggesting something

indication of – a sign showing the existence or likelihood of something

🔄 Synonyms

sign (n.) – an object, quality, or event that indicates something

indicator (n.) – a thing that indicates the state or level of something

clue (n.) – a piece of evidence or information used to solve a problem or mystery

🌱 Derivatives

indicate (v.) – to point out or show something

indicative (adj.) – serving as a sign or indication of something

indicator (n.) – a thing that indicates something, e.g., a gauge or sign

📖 Cultural Story

Comes from Latin 'indicatio', from 'indicare' (to point out). Originally a legal term for formal accusation, now commonly means any sign or evidence.