ish

[ ish ]

adverbInformal.

(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

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. 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.
In Defense of Blasphemy | Michael Tomasky | January 9, 2015 | THE 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 | THE 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 | THE 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 | THE 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 | THE 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 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

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 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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