ENGLISH
REFERENCE

symptomatic

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌsɪmptəˈmætɪk// UK //sˌɪmptəmˈætɪk// symp·to·matic

adj. showing that a particular problem or illness exists. If something is symptomatic of a bigger issue, it is a sign that the issue is there.

adj. serving as a symptom or sign of something, especially something undesirable. Often used to link a specific observable phenomenon to a broader underlying condition or systemic problem.


SIMPLE

The high fever is symptomatic of a serious infection.

CONTEXTUAL

The recent increase in staff turnover is symptomatic of deeper management issues within the company.

COMPLEX

Sociologists argue that the rise in urban isolation is symptomatic of a broader breakdown in traditional community structures during the digital age.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from French symptomatique, from New Latin symptomaticus, from Ancient Greek συμπτωματικός (sumptōmatikós, “of or pertaining to a chance (or a symptom), casual”), from σύμπτωμα (súmptōma, “a symptom”). By surface analysis, symptom + -atic.

Usage

Typically takes the preposition 'of' when identifying the underlying cause or condition.

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