indication

indication — noun

1. Something that gives you information about what is true, what someone feels or t

1.nounB2
Definition

Something that gives you information about what is true, what someone feels or thinks, or what is going to happen.

Example

Walid saw no indication that anyone had entered the house since morning.

indication + that-clause for signs about events

Mayumi's red eyes were a clear indication that she had been crying.

Common collocations
  • clear indication
  • strong indication
  • early indication
  • first indication
  • good indication
  • obvious indication
  • give an indication
  • provide an indication
  • show indication
Synonyms
  • sign

    The most common and general word; 'indication' is slightly more formal and often used for less obvious evidence.

  • clue

    Suggests a piece of evidence used to solve a mystery or puzzle; 'indication' is broader and not limited to mysteries.

  • hint

    Weaker and more indirect than 'indication'; a hint is subtle, while an indication can be clear and direct.

Grammar Patterns

indication + of + noun phrase

indication + that-clause

Usage Note

Often used in fixed phrases like 'there is every indication that' and 'give every indication of' to emphasise strong evidence. The preposition 'of' introduces the thing being indicated, while 'that' introduces a full clause.

Common Mistakes

He gave me an indication about the history of the city.
He gave me information about the history of the city.
'indication' means a clue or sign, not a detailed explanation.
The weather gave an indication for rain.
The weather gave an indication of rain.
When talking about signs of something, use 'of', not 'for'.

2. What the facts or circumstances show should be done — the most suitable or neces

2.nounB2
Definition

What the facts or circumstances show should be done — the most suitable or necessary action in a particular situation.

Example

The nurse gave a clear indication that Cyrus should rest in bed for a week.

indication + that-clause for suggested action

Falling sales were a strong indication that the company needed a fresh marketing plan.

Common collocations
  • clear indication
  • strong indication
  • take something as an indication
  • give an indication that
Synonyms
  • signal

    More deliberate and direct; a signal is consciously given, while an indication may be an unintentional sign of what to do.

  • cue

    Strongly implies a prompt for a specific action, especially in performance or sequential tasks.

Grammar Patterns

indication + that-clause

indication + to-infinitive

take + noun phrase + as an indication + to-infinitive

Usage Note

Unlike sense 1 (SIGN OR CLUE), this sense carries the meaning of a recommendation — the situation itself points toward a necessary action. Often replaceable with signal or cue. Common in professional and planning contexts.

Common Mistakes

My manager gave me an indication to finish the report by noon.
My manager instructed me to finish the report by noon.
If someone has authority to order you, use 'instruct' or 'tell'. 'Indication' only suggests what is advisable.

3. A physical sign that tells a doctor which kind of medical care is suitable or ne

3.nounC1
Definition

A physical sign that tells a doctor which kind of medical care is suitable or necessary.

Example

A fever above forty degrees is a strong indication for using this medicine.

indication + for + noun phrase (medical context)

The test results gave Dr. Okafor enough indication to begin treatment at once.

Common collocations
  • strong indication
  • clear indication
  • indication for surgery
  • indication for treatment
  • indication for medication
Synonyms
  • symptom

    Broader term for any sign of illness; 'indication' is narrower — it specifically justifies a treatment, not just describes a condition.

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

indication + for + noun phrase

Usage Note

Primarily a medical term used by doctors and healthcare professionals. Unlike sense 1, which focuses on any sign of truth or events, this sense is restricted to symptoms that justify a specific treatment or procedure.

Common Mistakes

The patient's headache was an indication for a cold.
The patient's headache was a symptom of a cold.
Use 'symptom of' for describing what illness a person has; use 'indication for' for which treatment is needed.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words refer to evidence of something, but they differ in scope and context. Sign is the most general term — it can refer to any visible or detectable evidence ('dark clouds are a sign of rain'). Indication is slightly more formal and often suggests evidence that leads to a logical conclusion rather than something directly observable ('the sudden quiet was an indication that the children were up to something'). Clue implies a piece of information used to solve a puzzle or mystery and often appears in detective or problem-solving contexts ('the muddy footprints were the only clue'). Symptom is restricted to medical or problem contexts and refers to a bodily change that signals illness ('a sore throat is often the first symptom of a cold'). Use sign and indication interchangeably in most general contexts; use clue for mysteries and puzzles; use symptom only for health or metaphorical 'problems.'

indication ↗sign ↗cluesymptom ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • give an indication
  • provide an indication
  • offer an indication
  • there is every indication that
  • give every indication of

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'indicatio' (a pointing out, a showing), from 'indicare' (to point out, to make known). The Latin verb breaks into 'in-' (toward) + 'dicere' (to say, to proclaim). So the original image is of 'saying toward' something — pointing it out so others can see it. The word entered Middle English through French 'indication' and has kept its core meaning of 'showing or pointing to something' since the 1400s.