ish
(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.
Origin of ish
1Other definitions for -ish (2 of 3)
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
2Other definitions for -ish (3 of 3)
a suffix occurring in i-stem verbs borrowed from French: ravish.
Origin of -ish
3Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
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.
Great for convincing your co-workers to DVR Black-ish while at work.
I know that one day in the near (ish) future, we will return to our usual hikes and bike rides.
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 | THE DAILY BEASTBut as perfect a pairing as Trophy Wife was with Modern Family, black-ish is, too.
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 HemyngDer ish pottles de Kaiser CharlemagneVonce filled mit gold-red wine!
The Book of Humorous Verse | VariousWhere ish de himmelstrablende Stern—De shtar of de shpirit's light?
The Book of Humorous Verse | VariousWhere ish de lofely golden cloudDat float on de moundain's prow?
The Book of Humorous Verse | VariousSuch 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)
of or belonging to a nationality or group: Scottish
often derogatory having the manner or qualities of; resembling: slavish; prudish; boyish
somewhat; approximately: yellowish; sevenish
concerned or preoccupied with: bookish
Origin of -ish
1British Dictionary definitions for ish (2 of 2)
/ (ɪʃ) /
slang used to express reservation or qualified assent: Things 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
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