in·di·ca·torAWBrE/ˈɪndɪkeɪtə(r)/NAmE/ˈɪndɪkeɪtər/nounasignthatshowsyouwhatsthislikeorhowasituationischanging指示信号；标志；迹象◆Theeconomicindicatorsarebetterthanexpected. 经济指标比预期的好。signindication ⬥ symptom ⬥ symbol ⬥ indicator ⬥ signal
These are all words for an event, action or fact that shows that sth exists, is happening or may happen in the future.以上各词均指迹象、征兆、预兆。
sign an event, action or fact that shows that sth exists, is happening or may happen in the future指迹象、征兆、预兆：◆Headaches may be a sign of stress.头痛可能是紧张的迹象。
indication(ratherformal) a remark or sign that shows that sth is happening or what sb is thinking or feeling指标示、象征：◆They gave no indication as to how the work should be done.他们根本没说明这项工作该怎样做。
sign or indication?用 sign 还是 indication？
An indication often comes in the form of sth that sb says; a sign is usually sth that happens or sth that sb does. * indication 常指通过某人说的话表明，sign 通常为发生的事或某人所做的事。
symptom a change in your body or mind that shows that you are not healthy; a sign that sth exists, especially sth bad指症状、征候、征兆：◆Symptoms include a sore throat.症状包括嗓子疼。◆The rise in inflation was just one symptom of the poor state of the economy.通胀上升不过是经济不景气的一个征候。
symbol a person, object or event that represents a more general quality or situation指象征：◆The dove is a universal symbol of peace.鸽子普遍象征着和平。
indicator(ratherformal) a sign that shows you what sth is like or how a situation is changing指指示信号、标志、迹象：◆the economic indicators经济指标
signal an event, action or fact that shows that sth exists, is happening or may happen in the future指标志、预示、信号：◆Chest pains can be a warning signal of heart problems.胸部疼痛可能是心脏病的报警信号。
sign or signal?用 sign 还是 signal？
Signal is often used to talk about an event, action or fact that suggests to sb that they should do sth. Sign is not usually used in this way. * signal 常用以指应该采取行动的暗号、信号；sign 通常不用于此义：◆Reducing prison sentences would send the wrong signs to criminals.
Patterns
a(n) sign/indication/symptom/symbol/indicator/signal of sth
