Words / C1

in-DIK-uh-tiv/ɪnˈdɪkətɪv/

Indicative means showing that something is likely or true (indicative of); also a grammar mood: indicative of a trend, the indicative mood. Indicate (already in the dictionary) is the verb; suggestive is milder. A lobby cheer is not a filled n.

Meaning

Showing that something is likely or true (indicative of); also a grammar mood.

Examples

• “A lobby cheer is not indicative of a filled n.”
• “Suggestive is milder. Symptomatic is the clinical twin. A cheer is branding. A count is methods. Write the n; then cheer if the figure holds.”

Good to know

Showing or suggesting (also: grammar mood). Verb: indicate (already in the dictionary). A cheer ≠ a filled n.

Near in meaning

suggestive, symptomatic, pointing to

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