-ish Meaning, Definition & Usage

-ish

Etymology

AS. -isc; akin to G. -isch, OHG. -isc, Goth. & Dan. -isk, Gr. . Cf. -esque.

Definitions

1. A suffix used to from adjectives from nouns and from adjectives. It denotes relation, resemblance, similarity, and sometimes has a diminutive force; as, selfish, boyish, brutish; whitish, somewhat white.

-ish

Etymology

OE. -issen, fr. F. -is, -iss- (found in the present particle, etc., of certain verbs, as finir to finish, fleurir to flourish), corresponding to L. -escere, an inchoative ending.

Definitions

1. A verb ending, originally appearing in certain verbs of French origin; as, abolish, cherish, finish, furnish, garnish, impoverish.