Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Tending to imply or hint at something, often indirectly: "suggestive" describes something that evokes ideas, associations, or meanings without stating them directly.
   • Tending to suggest something improper, indecent, or sexual: "suggestive" often refers to remarks, looks, or images that hint at sexual content.
   • (Followed by 'of') Clearly indicating or pointing out: "suggestive" can describe something that serves as clear evidence or a strong sign of something else.

Usage and Examples

• General Implication:

  • His smile was suggestive of a shared secret. (His smile hinted at a shared secret without words.)
  • The data is suggestive of a new trend in consumer behavior. (The data implies a new trend.)

• Improper or Sexual Connotation:

  • She made a suggestive remark that made everyone uncomfortable. (She made a remark hinting at something indecent.)
  • The advertisement was banned for its suggestive imagery. (The ad used images that hinted at sexual content.)

• Indicating or Revealing (followed by 'of'):

  • Symptoms suggestive of the flu should be taken seriously. (Symptoms that clearly point to the flu.)
  • Fossils suggestive of a tropical climate were found in the arctic. (Fossils that are clear evidence of a past tropical climate.)

Advanced Usage

• "Suggestive of": This is the most common construction, used to show what something implies or indicates.
  • The dark clouds are suggestive of an approaching storm.
• "Highly suggestive": Emphasizes a very strong implication or connotation.
  • The test results are highly suggestive of a positive outcome.

Variants and Related Words

• Suggest (verb): To put forward for consideration; to imply.
  • I suggest we take a break.
• Suggestion (noun): An idea or plan put forward; a hint or trace.
  • He made a helpful suggestion.
• Suggestively (adverb): In a way that suggests something.
  • He winked suggestively.

Synonyms

• Evocative: Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.
• Provocative: Causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately; often with a sexual connotation.
• Indicative: Serving as a sign or indication of something.
• Implicative: Tending to imply.

Antonyms

• Explicit: Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
• Unambiguous: Not open to more than one interpretation.
• Innocuous: Not harmful or offensive.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Leave little to the imagination": An idiom often used to describe something that is very revealing or overtly suggestive, especially in a sexual context.
  • Her costume left little to the imagination.

Adjective

1. tending to suggest something improper or indecent
   • a suggestive nod
   • suggestive poses
2. (usually followed by `of') pointing out or revealing clearly
   • actions indicative of fear
3. tending to suggest or imply
   • artifacts suggestive of an ancient society
   • an implicative statement