indicate
UK[ˈɪndɪkeɪt]US[ˈɪndɪkeɪt]
v
to show, point, or make something clear
v
to be a sign or symptom of something
v
to state or express something briefly or indirectly
Morpheme Breakdown
in
dic
ate
in
in, into, toward, on
dic
ate
to make, to act, to cause
Etymology
The word 'indicate' has a clear lineage from Latin. It originates from the Latin verb 'indicare', which is a compound of the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'toward' or 'into') and the verb 'dicare' (to proclaim, to declare). 'Dicare' itself is related to 'dicere' (to say). The literal sense of 'indicare' was 'to point out, to declare publicly'. This meaning evolved through Old French and into Middle English, retaining the core idea of making something known. The modern English verb 'indicate' thus carries the logical sense of 'to point toward' or 'to make a declaration about' a fact, condition, or direction, whether through physical gesture, symbolic sign, or verbal statement.
Analysis
Structure: in + dic + ate
- in: Latin origin, meaning 'in, into, toward, on'. A prefix that often conveys direction or intensification.
- dic: Latin origin, from the root 'dicere' (to say, to declare). This root appears in words like 'dictate', 'predict', and 'diction'.
- ate: Latin origin, a verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make, to act, to cause'.
Examples
The dark clouds indicate that rain is likely.
Please indicate your choice by checking the appropriate box.
Early test results indicate a positive trend.