Word
suggestive
Phoneticssug·ges·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈdʒɛstɪv/
UK/sədʒˈɛstɪv/
Definitions
01evoking an idea
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. making you think of a particular thing or idea without saying it directly.
adj. tending to suggest or evoke a particular idea, memory, or association through indirect means.
“The dark clouds were suggestive of a coming storm.”
“The archaeological findings were highly suggestive of a complex social hierarchy that predated the arrival of the colonial powers.”
Synonyms
02psychological suggestion
C2 · Proficiency Medicine Technical
adj. relating to the power of suggestion, especially in hypnosis.
adj. pertaining to or stimulating the process of psychological suggestion, particularly in a clinical or hypnotic context.
“The therapist used suggestive techniques to help the patient relax.”
“The study examined how suggestive questioning could inadvertently alter the witness's recollection of the event during the interview process.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of' when indicating a connection to an idea.
Pitfall
His look was suggestive to a secret
His look was suggestive of a secret
When meaning 'hinting at', the adjective takes the preposition 'of' rather than 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“Abandoned food could still be seen on the tables as evening drew in, suggestive of the haste in which people left the restaurant amid the incident.” “Thiel has not publicly advocated for them, but Marino and others have said that their timing was suggestive.” Etymology
From suggest + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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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