indicative
[in-dik-uh-tiv]
- showing, signifying, or pointing out; expressive or suggestive (usually followed by of): behavior indicative of mental disorder.
- 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).
Show More
- the indicative mood.
- a verb in the indicative.
Show More
Origin of indicative
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for indicative
Contemporary Examples
But the drama that unfolds across their visages is indicative of automaticity rather than authenticity.
But at this point the association should be regarded as informational rather than indicative of its source.
And as Muslims often choose names related to war and violence, could those possibly be indicative of their values?
There are many small errors too—largely inconsequential but indicative of a lack of academic rigor.
Whether insured or not, the disruptions are indicative of real damage and real costs to the economy.
Historical Examples
I will be explicit; I will use the indicative mood, present tense.
The First ViolinJessie Fothergill
It was quick, indicative of nervous excitement, but certainly not weak.
The Film of FearArnold Fredericks
To be considered, how far the voice of a bird may be indicative of its temperament.
Tales From Two HemispheresHjalmar Hjorth Boysen
Or was it indicative of a shortening of our religious privileges?
The Prison Chaplaincy, And Its ExperiencesHosea Quinby
This outburst was indicative of something more than a fugitive mood.
War Letters of a Public-School BoyPaul Jones.
indicative
- (usually postpositive foll by of) serving as a sign; suggestiveindicative of trouble ahead
- grammar denoting a mood of verbs used chiefly to make statementsCompare subjunctive (def. 1)
Show More
- grammar
- the indicative mood
- a verb in the indicative mood
Show More
Abbreviation: indic
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for indicative
adj.
mid-15c., from Old French indicatif (14c.), from Late Latin indicativus, from indicat-, past participle stem of Latin indicare (see indication).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper