indicative

[ in-dik-uh-tiv ]

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 ).

noun

, Grammar.

1. the indicative mood.
2. a verb in the indicative.

indicative

/ ɪnˈdɪkətɪv /

adjective

1. usually postpositivefoll byof serving as a sign; suggestive

   indicative of trouble ahead

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

noun

1. grammar
   1. the indicative mood
   2. a verb in the indicative mood

Derived Forms

• inˈdicatively, adverb

Other Words From

• in·dica·tive·ly adverb
• unin·dica·tive adjective
• unin·dica·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indicative¹

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

Example Sentences

The BBC's investigation suggests the findings from London might be indicative of wider problems across the country.

From BBC

This bullying campaign is indicative of why most Republican senators haven’t wanted Scott to lead them in the past.

From Slate

But the auto industry made the point moot when it sidestepped the federal government and made a deal with states directly, a move that’s indicative of the approach that environmentalists might take during his second term.

From Salon

It was one of her few obvious gaffes, but it was, more importantly, indicative of Harris’ refusal to distance herself from the radioactive president, or a calculation that creating that distance wasn’t politically possible.

From Slate

Strachan speculated that the split between support for Trump and support for Moreno among women surveyed could be indicative of the car dealer hemorrhaging support in the aftermath of his now-viral, controversial comments in September, calling it "a little crazy" for Ohio women to heavily weigh abortion access when casting their ballots.

From Salon

Related Words

• emblematic
• ominous
• suggestive
• symbolic
• symptomatic