-ish
adjective suffix
1
: of, relating to, or being —chiefly in adjectives indicating nationality or ethnic group
Finnish
2
a
: characteristic of
boyish
Pollyannaish
b
: inclined or liable to
bookish
qualmish
3
a
: having a touch or trace of
purplish
: somewhat darkish
b
: having the approximate age of
fortyish
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English -isc; akin to Old High German -isc, -ish, Greek -iskos, diminutive suffix
Kids Definition
-ish
adjective suffix
ish
1
: of, relating to, or being
Finnish
2
: characteristic of
boyish
3
: somewhat
purplish
4
: about (as an age or a time)