suggestive

Everyday

1. If something is suggestive of something else, it makes you think of it or hints at it: «clouds suggestive of rain». tree →
2. Suggestive can mean giving a clue or sign that something may be true: «The muddy boots were suggestive». tree →
3. (rude, adult slang) a rude word grown-ups use; not for school. tree →

In the lessons

In reading and science, «suggestive» is a careful word for evidence that hints at something without proving it: «The results are suggestive but not certain». In art and stories, a suggestive picture or sound brings an idea to mind. Phrases: «suggestive of», «highly suggestive».

Examples

• The dark clouds were suggestive of a storm. tree →
• The music was suggestive of the sea. tree →
• The footprints were suggestive, but they did not prove who took the cake. tree →
• The smell was suggestive of fresh bread. tree →
• The detective found several suggestive clues. tree →
• The early results are suggestive, so the scientists will test more. tree →

Note

Usually used with «of»: «suggestive of something». Related: «suggest», «suggestion». In science, «suggestive» means «hints at», not «proves».