symptomatic

Sometimes symp·to·mat·i·cal

[simp-tuh-mat-ik]

adjective

1. pertaining to a symptom or symptoms.

2. of the nature of or constituting a symptom indicative (often followed byof ).

   a condition symptomatic of cholera;

   a disagreement that was symptomatic of the deterioration in their relationship.

3. according to symptoms.

   a symptomatic classification of disease.

symptomatic

/ ˌsɪmptəˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. (often foll by of) being a symptom; indicative

   symptomatic of insanity

2. of or relating to a symptom or symptoms

3. according to symptoms

   a symptomatic analysis of a case

Other Word Forms

• symptomatically adverb
• nonsymptomatic adjective
• presymptomatic adjective
• pseudosymptomatic adjective
• unsymptomatic adjective
• unsymptomatical adjective
• unsymptomatically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of symptomatic¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; from Medieval Latin symptōmaticus, equivalent to Late Latin symptōmat- (stem of symptōma ) + -icus; symptom, -ic

Example Sentences

“Police are symptomatic of the systemic racism that exists in our society,” Brunson told Salon.

Read more on Salon

The first Villa goal was symptomatic of their struggles.

Read more on BBC

But there is one big reason why all this is happening, so early in this parliament: it is symptomatic of a party wrestling publicly and privately with how it confronts Reform UK.

Read more on BBC

Gordon's tackle was symptomatic of how Newcastle were not in control of their emotions, despite the fact Liverpool had looked like rabbits in the headlights at the slightest sign of pressure.

Read more on BBC

But locals say having so many similar shops in one place is symptomatic of the challenges that mass tourism brings.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• emblematic 
• symbolic