Indicate vs. Show — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
"Indicate" often implies a more indirect or subtle suggestion, while "show" generally involves a clearer, more direct demonstration.
Difference Between Indicate and Show
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Indicate" typically suggests signaling or pointing out something in an indirect way, such as using a hint or a sign. For example, a raised eyebrow might indicate skepticism. On the other hand, "show" means to make something visible or clear to someone, often through direct demonstration or presentation, such as displaying a chart in a meeting.
Indicate is often used in contexts where the communication is less explicit, relying on inference or indirect cues. This is common in formal or technical communications. Whereas "show" is straightforward, making it a preferred choice in educational or explanatory contexts where clarity is crucial.
In legal or technical documents, "indicate" can serve to suggest implications or potential outcomes without firm commitment, thus it is less definitive. On the other hand, "show" is used when evidence or proof is presented conclusively and clearly, as in courtrooms or scientific reports.
In everyday language, "indicate" might refer to less tangible actions, like showing intent or preference subtly, such as indicating a choice with a nod. Conversely, "show" is used in everyday language for physical or obvious actions, like showing someone to their seat.
When used in technology or mechanics, "indicate" might refer to the function of an indicator, like a gauge or a light, which suggests the status of a system. Meanwhile, "show" in technology often refers to displaying information or data directly on a screen or interface.
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Comparison Chart
Communication
Suggests indirectly, subtly
Demonstrates directly, clearly
Common Contexts
Formal, technical, legal
Educational, explanatory, demonstrative
Implication
Often less definitive, more tentative
Usually clear and definitive
Usage in Tech
Refers to indicators like gauges, lights
Involves direct display on screens, interfaces
Everyday Usage
Subtle actions, like nods or glances
Obvious actions, like physically presenting things
Compare with Definitions
Indicate
To point out or suggest something indirectly.
Her tone indicated that she was upset.
Show
To cause or allow to be seen; exhibit; display.
The museum shows artifacts from ancient times.
Indicate
To be a sign of; betoken; evidence; show.
His hesitation indicated his uncertainty.
Show
To be visible; be seen.
His smile showed his joy.
Indicate
To state or express, especially briefly or in a general way; signal.
He indicated his approval with a nod.
Show
To manifest or prove.
This experiment shows the critical role of sunlight in plant growth.
Indicate
To suggest or imply in addition to literal meaning.
His actions indicate a need for more training.
Show
To guide, escort, or usher.
She showed the guests to their seats.
Indicate
To show, point, or make clear in another way.
The sign indicates the exit route.
Show
To give evidence of; demonstrate.
The study shows the benefits of early education.
Indicate
To show the way to or the direction of; point out
An arrow indicating north.
Indicated the right road by nodding toward it.
Show
To cause or allow to be seen; display
Showed us his tattoo.
Indicate
To serve as a sign, symptom, or token of; signify
"The cracking and booming of the ice indicate a change of temperature" (Henry David Thoreau).
Show
To display for sale, in exhibition, or in competition
Showed her most recent paintings.
Indicate
To suggest or demonstrate the necessity, expedience, or advisability of
The symptoms indicate immediate surgery.
Show
To permit access to (a house, for example) when offering for sale or rent.
Indicate
To state or express briefly
Indicated his wishes in a letter.
Indicating her approval with a nod.
Show
To conduct; guide
Showed them to the table.
Indicate
To point out; to discover; to direct to a knowledge of; to show; to make known.
The guard blew his whistle to indicate imminent departure.
Show
To direct one's attention to; point out
Showed them the city's historical sites.
Indicate
To show or manifest by symptoms; to point to as the proper remedies.
Great prostration of strength indicates the use of stimulants.
Show
To make evident or reveal (an emotion or condition, for example)
Showed displeasure at his remark.
A carpet that shows wear.
Indicate
To signal in a vehicle the desire to turn right or left.
Show
To reveal (oneself) as in one's behavior or condition
The old boat showed itself to be seaworthy.
Indicate
To investigate the condition or power of, as of steam engine, by means of an indicator.
Show
To indicate; register
The altimeter showed that the plane was descending.
Indicate
To point out; to discover; to direct to a knowledge of; to show; to make known.
That turns and turns to indicateFrom what point blows the weather.
Show
To demonstrate by reasoning or procedure
Showed that the hypothesis was wrong.
A film that showed how to tune a piano.
Indicate
To show or manifest by symptoms; to point to as the proper remedies; as, great prostration of strength indicates the use of stimulants. Opposite of contraindicate.
Show
To demonstrate to by reasoning or procedure; inform or prove to
Showed him how to fix the camera.
Showed her that it could really happen.
Indicate
To investigate the condition or power of, as of steam engine, by means of an indicator.
Show
To grant; bestow
Showed no mercy to the traitors.
Indicate
Be a signal for or a symptom of;
These symptoms indicate a serious illness
Her behavior points to a severe neurosis
The economic indicators signal that the euro is undervalued
Show
To be or become visible or evident
Concern showed in his face.
Indicate
Indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively;
I showed the customer the glove section
He pointed to the empty parking space
He indicated his opponents
Show
(Slang) To make an appearance; show up
Didn't show for her appointment.
Indicate
To state or express briefly;
Indicated his wishes in a letter
Show
To be exhibited publicly
What's showing at the movie theater tonight?.
Indicate
Give evidence of;
The evidence argues for your claim
The results indicate the need for more work
Show
To give a performance or present an exhibition
Which artist is showing in the gallery?.
Indicate
Suggest the necessity of an intervention; in medicine;
Tetracycline is indicated in such cases
Show
(Sports) To finish third or better in a horserace or dog race.
Show
A display; a manifestation
Made a show of strength.
Show
A trace or indication, as of oil in a well.
Show
A false appearance; a pretense
Only a show of kindness.
Show
A striking appearance or display; a spectacle.
Show
A pompous or ostentatious display.
Show
Display or outward appearance
This antique tea service is just for show. His smile was for show.
Show
A public exhibition or entertainment.
Show
An exposition for the display or demonstration of commercial products
An auto show.
Show
A usually competitive exhibition of domestic animals
Won first place at the cat show.
Show
A radio or television program.
Show
A movie.
Show
A theatrical troupe or company.
Show
(Informal) An affair or undertaking
Ran the whole show.
Show
(Sports) Third place at the finish, as in a horserace.
Show
(transitive) To display, to have somebody see (something).
The car's dull finish showed years of neglect.
All he had to show for four years of attendance at college was a framed piece of paper.
Show
(transitive) To bestow; to confer.
Show
(transitive) To indicate (a fact) to be true; to demonstrate.
Show
(transitive) To guide or escort.
Could you please show him on his way. He has overstayed his welcome.
They showed us in.
Show
(intransitive) To be visible; to be seen; to appear.
Your bald patch is starting to show.
At length, his gloom showed.
Show
To put in an appearance; show up.
We waited for an hour, but they never showed.
Show
To have an enlarged belly and thus be recognizable as pregnant.
Show
To finish third, especially of horses or dogs.
In the third race: Aces Up won, paying eight dollars; Blarney Stone placed, paying three dollars; and Cinnamon showed, paying five dollars.
Show
To reveal one's hand of cards.
Show
(obsolete) To have a certain appearance, such as well or ill, fit or unfit; to become or suit; to appear.
Show
(countable) A play, dance, or other entertainment.
There were a thousand people at the show.
Show
(countable) An exhibition of items.
Art show;
Dog show
Show
(countable) A broadcast program, especially a light entertainment program.
Radio show;
Television show
They performed in the show.
I spotted my neighbour on the morning TV show.
Show
(countable) A movie.
Let's catch a show.
Show
An agricultural show.
I'm taking the kids to the show on Tuesday.
Show
A project or presentation.
Let's get on with the show.
Let's get this show on the road.
They went on an international road show to sell the shares to investors.
It was Apple's usual dog and pony show.
Show
(countable) A demonstration.
Show of force
Show
(uncountable) Mere display or pomp with no substance. (Usually seen in the phrases "all show" and "for show".)
The dog sounds ferocious but it's all show.
Show
Outward appearance; wileful or deceptive appearance.
Show
The major leagues.
He played AA ball for years, but never made it to the show.
Show
A pale blue flame at the top of a candle flame, indicating the presence of firedamp.
Show
(archaic) Pretence.
Show
(archaic) Sign, token, or indication.
Show
(obsolete) Semblance; likeness; appearance.
Show
(obsolete) Plausibility.
Show
A battle; local conflict.
Show
To exhibit or present to view; to place in sight; to display; - the thing exhibited being the object, and often with an indirect object denoting the person or thing seeing or beholding; as, to show a house; show your colors; shopkeepers show customers goods (show goods to customers).
Go thy way, shew thyself to the priest.
Nor want we skill or art from whence to raiseMagnificence; and what can heaven show more?
Show
To exhibit to the mental view; to tell; to disclose; to reveal; to make known; as, to show one's designs.
Shew them the way wherein they must walk.
If it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away.
Show
Specifically, to make known the way to (a person); hence, to direct; to guide; to asher; to conduct; as, to show a person into a parlor; to show one to the door.
Show
To make apparent or clear, as by evidence, testimony, or reasoning; to prove; to explain; also, to manifest; to evince; as, to show the truth of a statement; to show the causes of an event.
I 'll show my duty by my timely care.
Show
To bestow; to confer; to afford; as, to show favor.
Shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me.
Show
To exhibit or manifest one's self or itself; to appear; to look; to be in appearance; to seem.
Just such she shows before a rising storm.
All round a hedge upshoots, and showsAt distance like a little wood.
Show
To have a certain appearance, as well or ill, fit or unfit; to become or suit; to appear.
My lord of York, it better showed with you.
Show
The act of showing, or bringing to view; exposure to sight; exhibition.
Show
That which os shown, or brought to view; that which is arranged to be seen; a spectacle; an exhibition; as, a traveling show; a cattle show.
As for triumphs, masks, feasts, and such shows.
Show
Proud or ostentatious display; parade; pomp.
I envy none their pageantry and show.
Show
Semblance; likeness; appearance.
He through the midst unmarked,In show plebeian angel militantOf lowest order, passed.
Show
False semblance; deceitful appearance; pretense.
Beware of the scribes, . . . which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers.
Show
A pale blue flame, at the top of a candle flame, indicating the presence of fire damp.
Show
A public exhibition of entertainment;
A remarkable show of skill
Show
Something intended to communicate a particular impression;
Made a display of strength
A show of impatience
A good show of looking interested
Show
A public exhibition or entertainment;
They wanted to see some of the shows on Broadway
Show
Pretending that something is the case in order to make a good impression;
They try to keep up appearances
That ceremony is just for show
Show
Show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington
Show
Establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment;
The experiment demonstrated the instability of the compound
The mathematician showed the validity of the conjecture
Show
Make visible or noticeable;
She showed her talent for cooking
Show me your etchings, please
Show
Show in, or as in, a picture;
This scene depicts country life
The face of the child is rendered with much tenderness in this painting
Show
Give expression to;
She showed her disappointment
Show
Indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively;
I showed the customer the glove section
He pointed to the empty parking space
He indicated his opponents
Show
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government
Show
Be or become visible or noticeable;
His good upbringing really shows
The dirty side will show
Show
Indicate a certain reading; of gauges and instruments;
The thermometer showed thirteen degrees below zero
The gauge read `empty'
Show
Give evidence of, as of records;
The diary shows his distress that evening
Show
Show (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums;
The usher showed us to our seats
Show
Finish third or better in a horse or dog race;
He bet $2 on number six to show
Common Curiosities
Can "show" and "indicate" be used interchangeably?
In some contexts, they might overlap, but "show" is more direct and "indicate" more subtle.
What is an example of using "show" in a sentence?
"Can you show me how to install this application?"
How does showing differ from indicating?
Showing involves direct and clear demonstration, whereas indicating often involves subtler, indirect suggestions.
What does it mean to indicate something?
To indicate something means to suggest or point out indirectly, often using signs or symbols.
What is an example of using "indicate" in a sentence?
"The gauge indicates that your tire pressure is low."
When should I use "show" instead of "indicate"?
Use "show" when clarity and direct demonstration are needed, especially in teaching or presentations.
Is "indicate" more formal than "show"?
Yes, "indicate" is often considered more formal and is common in technical or legal contexts.
Why might someone choose to indicate rather than show?
Indicating might be chosen to communicate subtly or when the information is sensitive or tentative.
Can "show" imply proof?
Yes, "show" can imply providing proof or evidence of something.
Is "indicate" ever used in casual conversations?
Yes, though less common, it can be used to suggest something indirectly in casual contexts.
What does it mean when a light indicates something in technology?
It means the light is used as a signal to suggest the status or condition of a system.
How can I use "show" in technology?
"Show" in technology often refers to displaying content or information directly on a device.
How do "indicate" and "show" function in legal documents?
"Indicate" suggests possibilities without commitment, while "show" tends to present clear, undeniable evidence.
What does "show" imply in everyday language?
It implies making something evident or guiding someone physically.
How does "indicate" enhance communication in formal settings?
It allows for indirect or nuanced communication, which can be essential in formal or complex discussions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
