indicative

[in-dik-uh-tiv] /ɪnˈdɪk ə tɪv/
adjective
1.
showing, signifying, or pointing out; expressive or suggestive (usually followed by of):
behavior indicative of mental disorder.
2.
Grammar. noting or pertaining to the mood of the verb used for ordinary objective statements, questions, etc., as the verb plays in John plays football.
Compare imperative (def 3), subjunctive (def 1).
noun, Grammar
3.
the indicative mood.
4.
a verb in the indicative.
Origin
1520-30; < Late Latin indicātīvus. See indicate, -ive
Related forms
indicatively, adverb
unindicative, adjective
unindicatively, adverb
Examples from the web for indicative
  • As reconstructed by the paleontologists, the dinosaur-bearing deposits are indicative of a relatively warm coastal plain.
  • Among the evidence of their age are dark blotches indicative of many years underground, researchers say.
  • Small red regions are indicative of rapid plant growth.
  • He thinks that technology is not inherently neutral, but rather is indicative of a whole way of framing the world.
  • Similar patterns are observed for a number of other body measurements, all indicative of the same trends of deviation.
  • It's indicative of the way the worlds of the living and the dead continue to be closely linked.
  • So on one hand, financial industry layoffs might not be entirely indicative of economic slowdown.
  • Notably missing are pinkish emission nebulae indicative of new star birth.
  • The sensor is worn under the armpit and measures subtle changes in basal body temperature which is indicative of ovulation.
  • How he came to farm abalone is indicative of the creature's unfortunate history.
British Dictionary definitions for indicative

indicative

/ɪnˈdɪkətɪv/
adjective
1.
(usually postpositive) foll by of. serving as a sign; suggestive: indicative of trouble ahead
2.
(grammar) denoting a mood of verbs used chiefly to make statements Compare subjunctive (sense 1)
noun
3.
(grammar)
  1. the indicative mood
  2. a verb in the indicative mood
indic
Derived Forms
indicatively, adverb
Word Origin and History for indicative
adj.

mid-15c., from Old French indicatif (14c.), from Late Latin indicativus, from indicat-, past participle stem of Latin indicare (see indication).