symptomatic

/ˌsɪmptəˈmætɪk/ (bre, ipa) · [sˌɪmptəmˈætɪk] /ˌsɪmptəˈmætɪk/ (ame, ipa) · [sˌɪmptəmˈætɪk] /ˌsim(p)-tə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce symptomatic (audio)/ (ame, mw)

symptomatic — adjective

  • symptomaticpositive
  • more symptomaticcomparative
  • most symptomaticsuperlative

1. used for a bad event or condition that points to a deeper problem and shows that

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used for a bad event or condition that points to a deeper problem and shows that the problem is really there

例句

The cracked classroom walls were symptomatic of years of poor maintenance.

pattern: be symptomatic of + underlying problem

Abigail saw Ilan's constant lateness as symptomatic of deeper stress at home.

同義詞
  • indicative

    more neutral and analytical; does not strongly suggest something negative

  • revealing

    broader and less formal; focuses on making a truth visible

  • suggestive

    weaker; hints at a cause without the same strength of evidence

文法句型

be symptomatic of [problem / cause]

用法筆記

Almost always used in the pattern 'be symptomatic of ...'. It usually points to a hidden negative cause, not a neutral habit or everyday preference.

常見錯誤

❌Her love of jazz is symptomatic of good taste.
✅Her love of jazz shows her good taste.
💡'symptomatic of' is mainly used for illness, failure, stress, or another negative condition.

2. already showing signs of an illness, infection, or other medical condition

2.形容詞B2
釋義

already showing signs of an illness, infection, or other medical condition

例句

The patient remained symptomatic for three days after starting the new medicine.

collocation: remain symptomatic

Nala stayed home because she was still symptomatic after the school trip.

同義詞
  • unwell

    broader and more everyday; does not specifically focus on visible symptoms

  • ill

    general everyday word; says someone is sick, not that symptoms are present

  • sick

    informal and broad; less technical than 'symptomatic'

反義詞
  • asymptomatic

    medical opposite; having the illness or infection without showing symptoms

文法句型

be symptomatic

symptomatic patient / person / child

用法筆記

Common in medical and public-health writing for people who are already showing signs of illness. Distinguish from 'asymptomatic', which means someone has no visible symptoms.

常見錯誤

❌She is symptom of the virus.
✅She is symptomatic.' / 'She has symptoms of the virus.
💡'symptomatic' is an adjective, while 'symptom' is the noun.