What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indicial
Example
The indicial notation is a useful tool in tensor calculus. [indicial: adjective]
Example
There is an indicial relationship between the stock market and the economy. [indicial: adjective]
Example
The creditor presented an indicial document to prove the debtor's obligation. [indicial: noun]
indexical
Example
The indexical nature of language means that meaning is often context-dependent. [indexical: adjective]
Example
The use of 'I' and 'you' in conversation is an example of indexicality. [indexicality: noun]
Example
The arrow in the diagram is an indexical symbol that represents the direction of motion. [indexical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indexical is more commonly used than indicial in everyday language. Indexical is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while indicial is less common and tends to be used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indicial and indexical?
Both indicial and indexical are technical terms that are more likely to be used in formal or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.