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indicative

n.
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnˈdɪkətɪv// UK //ɪndˈɪkətˌɪv// in·dica·tive

n. serving as a sign or a hint that something else exists or is true. You use this when one thing points to a larger situation.

n. serving as a sign, symptom, or suggestion of something. Often used to describe a correlation between an observable fact and an underlying condition.


SIMPLE

His quick reply is indicative of his interest in the job.

CONTEXTUAL

The sudden drop in consumer spending is indicative of a broader economic slowdown affecting the region.

COMPLEX

While the initial survey results are merely indicative rather than conclusive, they suggest a significant shift in public opinion regarding the proposed environmental legislation.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French indicatif, from Late Latin indicātīvus. By surface analysis, indicate + -ive.

Usage

Typically follows a linking verb and takes the preposition 'of' before the noun phrase it describes.

Pitfall

indicative for the problemindicative of the problemIndicative almost always collocates with 'of' rather than 'for' or 'about'.

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