suggestive — conveying an indirect hint or implication, especially of something improper or sexual
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: conveying an indirect hint or implication, especially of something improper or sexual
Pronunciation (IPA): /səˈdʒestɪv/
Example Sentences
- Her sly smile was suggestive of a secret she wasn't ready to share.
- The office intern got in trouble for posting suggestive selfies during work hours.
- Civil servants must avoid using suggestive language in official documents to maintain professionalism.
suggestive
ADJECTIVE[/səˈdʒestɪv/]
conveying an indirect hint or implication, especially of something improper or sexual
Her half-smile and lingering glance were suggestive of something more.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'suggerere', meaning to carry up from below or to hint at indirectly. The word combines sub- (beneath) and gerere (to carry, bear), originally evoking the image of secretly bringing something forth from below, and later evolved to signify making an indirect or implicit suggestion without stating something directly.
Breakdown
sub- (beneath, below) + gerere (to carry, bring) → suggest (to imply or hint) + -ive (adjective suffix indicating quality or tendency). The suffix -ive transforms the verb into an adjective meaning tending to suggest or having the quality of suggesting.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Her sly smile was suggestive of a secret she wasn't ready to share.”
“The office intern got in trouble for posting suggestive selfies during work hours.”
“Civil servants must avoid using suggestive language in official documents to maintain professionalism.”
“The detective found the missing donut crumbs suggestive of the true culprit — the office cat.”
“The advertisement was banned for containing overly suggestive imagery.”
📚Related Words
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