indicative

[ in-dik-uh-tiv ]
See synonyms for: indicativeindicatively on Thesaurus.com

adjective
  1. showing, signifying, or pointing out; expressive or suggestive (usually followed by of): behavior indicative of mental disorder.

  2. Grammar. noting or pertaining to the mood of the verb used for ordinary objective statements, questions, etc., as the verb plays in John plays football.: Compare imperative (def. 3), subjunctive (def. 1).

nounGrammar.
  1. the indicative mood.

  2. a verb in the indicative.

Origin of indicative

1
From the Late Latin word indicātīvus, dating back to 1520–30. See indicate, -ive

Other words from indicative

  • in·dic·a·tive·ly, adverb
  • un·in·dic·a·tive, adjective
  • un·in·dic·a·tive·ly, adverb

Words Nearby indicative

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How to use indicative in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for indicative

indicative

/ (ɪnˈdɪkətɪv) /


adjective
  1. (usually postpositive foll by of) serving as a sign; suggestive: indicative of trouble ahead

  2. grammar denoting a mood of verbs used chiefly to make statements: Compare subjunctive (def. 1)

noun
  1. grammar

    • the indicative mood

    • a verb in the indicative mood

  • Abbreviation: indic

Derived forms of indicative

  • indicatively, adverb

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