When you find yourself stuck in a conversation and you have no idea what to say, ‘indeed’ is the best word to imply that you acknowledge the point made but neither agree nor disagree. It’s a diplomat’s dream, the verbal equivalent of nodding.
IN TRUTH
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word ‘indeed’ dates back to around 1330 and was first used by Robert Mannyng, an English poet and historian. The word comes from the prepositional phrase ‘in + dede’, an Old English noun for ‘a doing, an action, an event’ that later formed the related word ‘deed’. The meaning of ‘in deed’ was ‘in fact, in truth, in reality’. Over time, the two words merged into one, becoming ‘indeed’ while retaining their meaning of affirming or stressing a point.
IN WRITING
Gradually, ‘indeed’ started appearing in written texts. However, through the centuries it still maintained its function as an emphatic term meaning ‘without any question, in reality, as a matter of fact’. Today it is still found in formal settings, but it is sometimes used informally too, though often ironically. It is used in written English as well as in conversation.
IN ADDITION
The term ‘indeed’ can be placed in different places in a sentence, and its primary function has always been to emphasise the truth of a statement or to show that the speaker strongly agrees with someone or something or confirms the information: “It is a beautiful day indeed.”
The word, however, can also carry nuanced meanings. For example, it can be used to confirm and amplify a preceding statement by providing additional information: “He is a skilled photographer. Indeed, his work has been exhibited in several galleries,” or to introduce a point that’s even more true than the last one you made: “The project is challenging, indeed, almost impossible.” The interjection ‘indeed’ can sometimes be used to answer questions, meaning ‘yes, certainly’ or ‘yes, truly’: “Is this your first time here?” “Indeed.” Or it can perhaps be found as an expression of surprise, incredulity, irony: “Indeed! I can scarcely believe it.”
IN USE
So, next time you find yourself at a loss for words, remember the simple ‘indeed’. It’s always there, ready to make you look wise, interested and agreeable, to make your point clear and strong, enrich your communication and help make your English sound more confident and assertive. Often, when you’re not sure what to say, ‘indeed’ can be the perfect response. Just be careful not to over-use it: that can indeed be counter-productive!