What does indigestive mean?
The adjective indigestive refers to something that is not easily digested, causing discomfort or indigestion. This can be applied to foods, situations, or experiences that are difficult to process or lead to stomach problems. In informal contexts, indigestive is often used to describe foods that are high in fat, spice, or other substances that can cause indigestion. However, in formal writing, it's more accurate to use more precise terms like 'indigestible' or 'unpalatable'. Indigestive can also be used to describe situations or experiences that are overwhelming or difficult to cope with. Overall, indigestive is a useful word for describing uncomfortable or unpleasant experiences that are related to digestion or processing.
adjectiveNot easily digested; causing discomfort or indigestion.
- Not easily digested; causing discomfort or indigestion.
"The fatty foods I ate last night were indigestive, and I woke up with a stomachache."
"The fatty foods I ate last night were indigestive, and I woke up with a stomachache."
"Eating too much spicy food can be indigestive for people with sensitive stomachs."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of indigestive
The word indigestive is derived from the verb 'digest', which means to break down food into smaller particles that can be absorbed by the body. The suffix '-ive' is added to form an adjective that describes the quality of being indigestible or causing discomfort. The word has been in use since the 17th century and is related to other words like 'indigestion' and 'indigestible'.
How indigestive is actually used
In informal contexts, indigestive can be used to describe foods or situations that cause discomfort or indigestion. However, in formal writing, it's better to use more precise terms like 'indigestible' or 'unpalatable'.