Guide 85 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “mean”
Five verbs that name the kind of meaning.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Mean" is the workhorse of definitions — but in analysis writing, "indicate," "signify," and "imply" distinguish what the data says from what the writer infers. Use "denote" for literal, "connote" for associations.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Indicate neutral
point toward a conclusion
The numbers indicate sustained growth.
- 02Signify formal
be a sign of
A drop here signifies weaker demand.
- 03Imply neutral
suggest without stating
The memo implies the deal is off.
- 04Denote formal
literal meaning
This field denotes the customer’s home region.
- 05Suggest neutral
softer than "indicate"
The pattern suggests a seasonal effect.