Indice vs. piste
In the French language, the words 'indice' and 'piste' are commonly used in the context of investigations or searches for information. Both relate to clues that might lead to a discovery or solution, but they carry slightly different connotations and usage contexts.
Indice
A piece of information or evidence that points towards a solution or helps to solve a mystery or problem.
La police a trouvé un nouvel indice près de la scène de crime.
(The police found a new clue near the crime scene.)
Cet indice nous permet de reconstituer les événements de la nuit dernière.
(This clue allows us to reconstruct last night's events.)
L'indice laissé par le témoin était déterminant pour résoudre l'affaire.
(The clue left by the witness was crucial in solving the case.)
Piste
A trail or lead that is followed to uncover information, often suggesting a direction or course of action in an investigation.
Les détectives suivent plusieurs pistes pour retrouver le suspect.
(The detectives are following several leads to find the suspect.)
Après des semaines de recherche, ils ont enfin une piste prometteuse.
(After weeks of searching, they finally have a promising lead.)
Ne néglige aucune piste, toutes sont potentiellement utiles.
(Do not neglect any leads; all could be potentially useful.)
Summary
'Indice' and 'piste' are both used in situations where someone is seeking to solve a mystery or problem. The word 'indice' typically refers to a piece of evidence or an informational tidbit that directly suggests part of the solution, whereas 'piste' refers to a lead or direction to follow that may bring one closer to solving a mystery or case.