Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Serving to indicate; pointing out; suggestive: The word "indicatory" describes something that serves as a sign, signal, or piece of evidence pointing toward a particular fact, condition, or conclusion. It is synonymous with "indicative."

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • His silence was indicatory of his disapproval. (His silence served as a clear sign that he disapproved.)
  • The dark clouds are indicatory of an approaching storm. (The dark clouds point to the likelihood of a storm coming.)
  • A high fever can be indicatory of a serious infection. (A high fever can suggest the presence of a serious infection.)

Advanced Usage

• "indicatory of": This is the most common construction. The adjective "indicatory" is almost always followed by the preposition "of" to specify what the sign or evidence points toward.
  • The data is indicatory of a larger economic trend. (The data reveals evidence of a larger economic trend.)
  • Her tone was indicatory of her true feelings. (Her tone was revealing of her true feelings.)

Variants and Related Words

• Indicate (verb): To point out, show, or suggest something.
  • The map indicates the location of the treasure.
• Indication (noun): A sign or piece of information that points to something.
  • There was no indication of trouble.
• Indicator (noun): A thing, especially a gauge or meter, that indicates a state or level.
  • The fuel indicator was on empty.
• Indicative (adjective): Serving as a sign or indication of something. This is a more common synonym for "indicatory."
  • Symptoms indicative of the flu.

Synonyms

• Suggestive: Tending to suggest an idea.
• Significative: Conveying a meaning or significance.
• Revealing: Making something previously unknown known.
• Symptomatic: Serving as a symptom or sign of a condition.

Notes on Usage

• Formality: "Indicatory" is a formal and somewhat less common word. In most contexts, "indicative" is preferred.
• Grammar: It functions as a predicate adjective, typically following a linking verb like "is," "was," "seems," or "proves," and is followed by "of."
  • Correct: The evidence is indicatory of fraud.
  • Less Common: They found indicatory evidence. (Here, "indicative" or "suggestive" would be more natural.)

Adjective

1. (usually followed by `of') pointing out or revealing clearly
   • actions indicative of fear