Origin: Latin suffix -ive
Indicative has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
a mood (grammatically unmarked) that represents the act or state as an objective fact
"The indicative verb in the sentence stated that the sun rose in the east, presenting it as an undeniable fact."
The indicative mood.
"The verb in that clause is in the indicative mood because it states a fact rather than expressing doubt or command."
relating to the mood of verbs that is used simple in declarative statements
"indicative mood"
(usually followed by `of') pointing out or revealing clearly
"actions indicative of fear"
serving as a sign, indication or suggestion of something
"The rising temperature is an indicative sign that summer has finally arrived."
In plain English: Indicative means showing what is actually happening instead of imagining something that might happen.
"The dark clouds were an indicative sign that a storm was approaching soon."
Usage: Use indicative to describe evidence that points toward a conclusion rather than the conclusion itself. Avoid confusing this adjective with the grammatical term "indicative mood," which refers to statements of fact rather than commands or wishes.
The word indicative comes from the Late Latin term indicativus. It originally meant something that serves to indicate or point out.