What does indicative mean?
Indicative means that something points toward or reveals a particular conclusion, condition, or likely outcome. It is commonly used when one piece of evidence is suggestive but not conclusive: an indicative expression of interest may show enthusiasm, and an indicative price may give a rough idea of future costs without creating a firm commitment. The word is also a grammatical term for the mood used to make direct statements, including assertions, denials, and questions in some grammatical systems. In ordinary descriptive use, indicative is formal and precise, suggesting evidence or a useful indication rather than absolute proof. Its usefulness lies in expressing this distinction: it identifies a meaningful sign while allowing the final conclusion to remain open.
Serving as a sign or indication of something; revealing or suggesting a particular state, quality, or outcome.
"The repeated warnings were indicative of a serious problem."
Often used for evidence or preliminary figures that point toward a conclusion without conclusively establishing it.
The grammatical mood used to make statements, assertions, and denials.
"The finite verbs in the sentence are in the indicative."
In grammar, it contrasts with the imperative, subjunctive, and, in some languages or analyses, the interrogative.
Plural forms are uncommon; the word is normally used in the singular in grammar.
"The text uses indicative forms for its statements and the interrogative for its questions."
An indicative price is a useful preview of what something might cost, but it is not yet a promise.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indicative come from?
The word derives from Latin indicativus, meaning “that points out” or “indicating,” from indicare, “to point out, show, or make known.” English borrowed it in the 17th century for both general meanings and the grammatical sense. Its development reflects the same Latin root found in indicate, indication, and the related legal word indict, although the legal sense developed through a distinct historical path.
Related word forms
How indicative is actually used
In finance, administration, and planning, the adjective often signals that a figure or description is provisional and non-binding. In grammar, it names the mood used for assertions and denials.
Easily confused with indicative
Indicative is an adjective describing something that serves as a sign, whereas indicating is a participle describing an action or a person or thing that points something out.
Indicative is based on signs or indications, while deductive reasoning proceeds from general principles to particular conclusions.