indent
/'indent/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To set a line of text further from the margin than the main part of the text: To start a line of writing or printing with a blank space at the beginning.
- To make a notch, dent, or depression in a surface: To form a recess or hollow in something.
- To make a formal agreement or order: To draw up a document in duplicate with a serrated edge for authentication, or to place an order, especially for foreign goods.
Noun:
- The space left at the beginning of a line when it is indented: The blank space at the start of a paragraph or line.
- A formal order or contract: A legal agreement, especially one binding an apprentice, or an order for goods.
- A notch or recess: A cut or depression in an edge or surface.
Examples of Usage
Verb:
- You should indent the first line of each paragraph.
- The hailstorm indented the roof of the car.
- The company will indent for new supplies from the overseas manufacturer.
Noun:
- Use a tab to create a half-inch indent.
- He signed an indent to work as an apprentice for five years.
- The coastline is marked by deep indents and bays.
Advanced Usage
"To indent upon (someone) for (something)": To make a formal demand or requisition for supplies.
- The garrison was forced to indent upon the local villagers for food.
"Indented document": A legal document, such as a contract or deed, executed in duplicate with matching, irregularly cut edges to prevent forgery.
- The historic land deed was an indented document.
Variants and Related Words
- Indentation (n): The action of indenting or the state of being indented; a deep recess or notch.
- The indentation of the paragraph makes it easier to read.
- Indenture (n/v): A formal legal agreement or contract, especially one binding an apprentice to a master. As a verb, it means to bind by such a contract.
- He was indentured to a blacksmith at the age of fourteen.
Synonyms
- Verb (for text): Set in, tab.
- Verb (for dent): Dent, notch, depress.
- Noun (for space): Tab, margin.
- Noun (for contract): Contract, agreement, covenant.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Indent for: To make a formal written order or requisition for something.
- The office manager will indent for new stationery.
Related Idioms
- To take up an indent: To accept or enter into a formal contract of apprenticeship.
- In the 18th century, many young men would take up an indent to learn a trade.
Noun
- the space left between the margin and the start of an indented line
- an order for goods to be exported or imported
Verb
- bind by or as if by indentures, as of an apprentice or servant
- an indentured servant
- notch the edge of or make jagged
- make a depression into
- The bicycle dented my car
- cut or tear along an irregular line so that the parts can later be matched for authentication
- indent the documents
- set in from the margin
- Indent the paragraphs of a letter