Word
indicative
Phoneticsin·dica·tive
US/ˌɪnˈdɪkətɪv/
UK/ɪndˈɪkətˌɪv/
Definitions
01serving as a sign
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. showing or suggesting that something is happening or exists.
adj. serving as a sign, symptom, or suggestion of something. Often used with the preposition 'of'.
“The sudden drop in sales is indicative of a larger problem with the economy.”
“The persistent silence from the negotiations was widely seen as indicative of a fundamental breakdown in communication between the two parties.”
Synonyms
02grammar mood
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adj. relating to the form of a verb used to make simple statements or ask questions.
adj. relating to the grammatical mood used to express factual statements and positive beliefs.
“In the sentence 'He is eating,' the verb is in the indicative mood.”
“While the subjunctive mood expresses wishes or possibilities, the indicative is the standard form for asserting facts in English.”
Usage
In linguistic contexts, it typically modifies the noun 'mood'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03the indicative mood
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the category of verb forms used for facts and statements.
n. the indicative mood or a verb form belonging to it. Uncountable when referring to the mood itself; countable when referring to a specific instance.
“Most of the sentences we use every day are in the indicative.”
“The student struggled to distinguish between the indicative and the conditional when translating the complex legal document.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “indicative” in context.
Adjective
01. indicative of
“The sudden drop in stock prices is often indicative of a broader economic slowdown.”
adj + prep
Real-World Examples
“In other words, the SunZia is not indicative of an onshore wind-energy boom.” “While this ballot is only indicative, we are disappointed with the outcome and will continue to engage with Napo and other recognised trade unions.” Etymology
From Middle French indicatif, from Late Latin indicātīvus. By surface analysis, indicate + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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