indicative

American  

[in-dik-uh-tiv] / ɪnˈdɪk ə tɪv /

adjective

1. showing, signifying, or pointing out; expressive or suggestive (usually followed byof ).

   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.

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noun

Grammar.

1. the indicative mood.

2. a verb in the indicative.

indicative British  

/ ɪnˈdɪkətɪv /

adjective

1. serving as a sign; suggestive

   indicative of trouble ahead

2. grammar denoting a mood of verbs used chiefly to make statements Compare subjunctive

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noun

1. grammar

   1. the indicative mood

   2. a verb in the indicative mood

Other Word Forms

• indicatively adverb
• unindicative adjective
• unindicatively adverb

Etymology

Origin of indicative

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

Example Sentences

The symptoms, which are indicative of a heart attack, persisted, but the seriousness of the situation did not properly register with him at the time.

From BBC

I think that that’s probably indicative of where hiring is headed.

From The Wall Street Journal

The futuristic coat - modish in the 1960s - is also indicative of how the Queen was in sync with the times.

From BBC

Facing his first Christmas without his wife, Andrew thinks this is indicative of our wider inability to talk about death, to even contemplate facing our worst nightmare.

From BBC

An indicative ballot saw 95% of EIS members vote in favour of industrial action, prompting the union to open a formal ballot until 30 January.

From BBC

Related Words

• emblematic
• ominous
• suggestive
• symbolic
• symptomatic