If one thing is indicativeof another, it suggests what the other thing is likely to be.
[formal]
The result was indicative of a strong retail market. [+ of]
Often physical appearance is indicative of how a person feels.
Synonyms: suggestive, significant, symptomatic, pointing to More Synonyms of indicative
2. singular noun
In grammar, a clause that is in the indicative, or in the indicative mood, has a subject followed by a verb group. Examples are 'I'm hungry' and 'She was followed'. Clauses of this kind are typically used to make statements.
indicative in British English
(ɪnˈdɪkətɪv)
adjective
1. (usually postpositive; foll byof)
serving as a sign; suggestive
indicative of trouble ahead
2. grammar
denoting a mood of verbs used chiefly to make statements
Compare subjunctive (sense 1)
noun
3. grammar
a.
the indicative mood
b.
a verb in the indicative mood
Abbreviation: indic
Derived forms
indicatively (inˈdicatively)
adverb
indicative in American English
(ɪnˈdɪkətɪv)
adjective
1.
giving an indication, suggestion, or intimation; showing; signifying
a look indicative of joy
: also ˈinˈdicaˌtory (ˈɪndɪkəˌtɔri; ɪnˈdɪkəˌtɔi)
2.
designating or of the mood of a verb used to identify an act, state, or occurrence as actual, or to ask a question of fact
see also subjunctive, imperative
noun
3.
the indicative mood
4.
a verb in this mood
Derived forms
indicatively (inˈdicatively)
adverb
Word origin
Fr indicatif < L indicativus
Examples of 'indicative' in a sentence
indicative
Not because we would normally eat sandwiches for dinner but because that seemed indicative of the menu.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
His play of ace and another club seemed indicative of just a doubleton.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The indicative proposal included a partial cash alternative.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
For him not to resign after this is indicative of the problems we face.
The Sun (2015)
His scrambled mind was indicative of one that had cried enough.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The problems are indicative of a sector struggling to give staff the skills to cope with increasingly frail residents.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The pair insisted the proposal was only indicative at this stage and there was no certainty an offer would be made.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Second, the use of the indicative mood is a powerful motivator.
Christianity Today (2000)
Most uses of verbs are in the indicative mood, which expresses facts.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
This Hunt business may be trivial but it may also be indicative.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Crucially, none of this seems indicative of a widespread desire for independence.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It's been a week of finding tiny unimportant things indicative of larger ones that do matter.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
She said: 'To me they seem indicative of the times we live in.
The Sun (2013)
He said: 'The government cannot conceivably decide that one vote is indicative of another vote.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It could be indicative of a problem or unhappiness in your current self and, therefore, a desire to reconnect with a younger one.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
indicative
British English: indicative ADJECTIVE
If one thing is indicative of another, it suggests what the other thing is likely to be.
The result was indicative of a strong retail market.
American English: indicative
Brazilian Portuguese: indicativo
Chinese: 指示的
European Spanish: indicativo
French: indicatif
German: bezeichnend
Italian: indicativo
Japanese: 示している
Korean: ~을 암시하는
European Portuguese: indicativo
Latin American Spanish: indicativo
(adjective)
Often physical appearance is indicative of how a person feels.
Synonyms
suggestive
significant
The old woman gave her a significant glance.
symptomatic
The city's problems are symptomatic of the crisis.
pointing to
exhibitive
indicatory
indicial
Additional synonyms
in the sense of significant
Definition
having or expressing a meaning
The old woman gave her a significant glance.
Synonyms
meaningful,
expressive,
eloquent,
knowing,
telling,
meaning,
expressing,
pregnant,
indicative,
suggestive
in the sense of symptomatic
The city's problems are symptomatic of the crisis.