symptomatic

[ simp-tuh-mat-ik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to a symptom or symptoms.
2. of the nature of or constituting a symptom indicative (often followed by of ):

   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

Derived Forms

• ˌsymptoˈmatically, adverb

Other Words From

• sympto·mati·cal·ly adverb
• nonsymp·to·matic adjective
• presymp·to·matic adjective
• pseudo·sympto·matic adjective
• unsymp·to·matic adjective
• unsymp·to·mati·cal adjective
• unsymp·to·mati·cal·ly 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

Gradilla said these men are “not monsters” but are symptomatic of how “every cultural and ethnic group is struggling with, how do we incorporate men into civic engagement?”

From Los Angeles Times

Van Nistelrooy’s mood was symptomatic of the club as a whole.

From BBC

However, it also urged the public to avoid close contact with "symptomatic individuals".

From BBC

The news we brought you last week about the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Sue Gray was arguably symptomatic of some of that.

From BBC

Though Trump, again, is symptomatic of the disinformation problem, he is not the cause.

From Salon

Related Words

• emblematic
• symbolic