ish

[ ish ]

/ ɪʃ /

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adverb Informal.

(used to modify or moderate something previously stated or as a vague reply to a question) somewhat; in a way; not exactly: It's a decent (ish) place to work.“Are you tired?” “Yeah...ish.”I'd like to get married. Ish.

near or about; approximately: The lights went out at 11-ish.It'll be a $25ish taxi ride.

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of ish

First recorded in 1985–90; from -ish¹ (in the sense “somewhat”)

Other definitions for ish (2 of 3)

-ish¹

a suffix used to form adjectives from nouns, with the sense of “belonging to” (British; Danish; English; Spanish); “after the manner of,” “having the characteristics of,” “like” (babyish; girlish; mulish); “addicted to,” “inclined or tending to” (bookish; freakish); “near or about” (fiftyish; sevenish).

a suffix used to form adjectives from other adjectives, with the sense of “somewhat,” “rather” (oldish; reddish; sweetish).

Origin of -ish

Middle English; Old English -isc; cognate with German -isch, Old Norse -iskr, Gothic -isks, Greek diminutive noun suffix -isk(os); akin to -esque

Other definitions for ish (3 of 3)

-ish²

a suffix occurring in i-stem verbs borrowed from French: ravish.

Origin of -ish

From French -iss-, extended stem of verbs with infinitives in -ir, ultimately from Latin -isc-, in verbs that express the beginning of an action or process

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use ish in a sentence

As this list shows, punishments typically run to a short-ish jail sentence and/or a moderately hefty fine.
In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Great for convincing your co-workers to DVR Black-ish while at work.
Four TV Shows We Can’t Wait to Return In 2015|DISH|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I know that one day in the near (ish) future, we will return to our usual hikes and bike rides.
You’re Never ‘Cured’ of an Eating Disorder|Carrie Arnold|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Vulture wrote a helpful-ish explainer about how to make sure you see it.
Neil Patrick Harris: Yes, That’s My Penis In ‘Gone Girl’|Kevin Fallon|October 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But as perfect a pairing as Trophy Wife was with Modern Family, black-ish is, too.
‘black-ish’ Is the New ‘Modern Family’|Kevin Fallon|October 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If it ish true dat de closhe makes de man, you vill do excellent vell, and de people vill not now run after you.
Jack Harkaway's Boy Tinker Among The Turks|Bracebridge Hemyng
Der ish pottles de Kaiser CharlemagneVonce filled mit gold-red wine!
The Book of Humorous Verse|Various
Where ish de himmelstrablende Stern—De shtar of de shpirit's light?
The Book of Humorous Verse|Various
Where ish de lofely golden cloudDat float on de moundain's prow?
The Book of Humorous Verse|Various
Such an Adam and Eve-ish state of things we never saw before.
The Story of the Cambrian|C. P. Gasquoine

British Dictionary definitions for ish (1 of 2)

-ish

suffix forming adjectives

of or belonging to a nationality or groupScottish

often derogatory having the manner or qualities of; resemblingslavish; prudish; boyish

somewhat; approximatelyyellowish; sevenish

concerned or preoccupied withbookish

Word Origin for -ish

Old English -isc; related to German -isch, Greek -iskos

British Dictionary definitions for ish (2 of 2)

ish

/ (ɪʃ) /

sentence substitute

slang used to express reservation or qualified assentThings are looking up. Ish

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012