I. sigˈnifəˌkā]d.]iv, -_kə], ]t], ]ēv also ]əv adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French significatif, from Late Latin significativus, from Latin significatus + -ivus -ive
1. : pointing out or representing by an external sign : serving as a sign : indicative
2. : having signification or meaning : expressive of a usually concealed meaning : significant , suggestive
3. : of or relating to signification (sense 4) : designative
in the proposition “she is a beauty” beauty is a significative term
• sig·nif·i·ca·tive·ly ]ə̇vlē, -li adverb
• sig·nif·i·ca·tive·ness ]ivnə̇s, ]ēv- also ]əv-\ noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
: a significative thing or term