indicative
Serving as a sign or suggestion of something
Examples
In a meeting
“This trend is indicative of shifting consumer preferences in our market.”
Over coffee
“Your reaction is indicative of how you really feel about the situation.”
Why this word
suggestive
indicative means serving as a sign or symptom, while suggestive implies hinting at something
representative
indicative points to or signals something, while representative stands for or typifies it
showing
indicative is a formal term for serving as evidence, while showing is informal and less precise
Usage tip
Use when something signals a pattern or larger truth. More analytical than 'shows' or 'suggests.'
Etymology
Latin 'indicare' — 'in' (toward) + 'dicare' (proclaim), meaning to point out or show
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Related words
diagnose
To identify the cause or nature of a problem through examination.
fundamental
Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
extrapolate
Extend known information to predict unknown outcomes
distinguish
To recognize or identify the difference between things
unpack
To analyze and explain something complex in detail
granular
Characterized by a high level of detail