WordValeindicative
serving as a sign of
In more detail
1. (adjective) showing or suggesting something without stating it directly
2. (adjective, grammar) describing the mood of a verb used to state facts or ask questions, rather than express wishes, commands, or conditions
Examples
- 1. Her smile was indicative of her happiness.
- 2. In the sentence 'She walks to school,' the verb 'walks' is in the indicative mood.
How to use indicative
Indicative is commonly used with 'of' to mean that something suggests or points to something else without stating it explicitly. In grammar, it refers to the standard verb form used for factual statements and questions, contrasting with subjunctive, imperative, and conditional moods. The term appears in both general and technical linguistic contexts.
Common phrases
- indicative of
- highly indicative
- rather indicative
- indicative mood
- indicative sentence
Synonyms
suggestive · symptomatic · telltale · revelatory · expressive
Word family
indicate · indication · indicator · indicatively
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'indicative of' with 'indicating', though both are correct; 'indicative of' is more formal and suggests a subtle connection rather than explicit proof.
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