ENGLISH
REFERENCE

suggestive

adj.
C1 Advanced US //səˈdʒɛstɪv// UK //sədʒˈɛstɪv// sug·ges·tive

adj. making you think of something else, especially something sexual. It can also describe something that hints at a bigger idea without saying it directly.

adj. tending to evoke a particular idea or memory in the mind of the observer; frequently used to describe remarks or behavior that hint at sexual impropriety. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem'.


SIMPLE

The painting uses suggestive colors to create a dark mood.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager was disciplined after making several suggestive comments that made his colleagues feel uncomfortable during the meeting.

COMPLEX

While the evidence is merely suggestive rather than conclusive, it points toward a significant correlation between early childhood nutrition and long-term cognitive development.

Synonyms
Origin

From suggest + -ive.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of' when indicating a connection to an idea.

Pitfall

His look was suggestive to a secretHis look was suggestive of a secretWhen meaning 'hinting at', the adjective takes the preposition 'of' rather than 'to'.

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