ish
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — (informal) Somewhat, roughly, or approximately.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
A back-formation from the suffix -ish, used informally as its own standalone word.
Full origin of ish →Frequently asked questions
What does “ish” mean?
The word “ish” means (informal) Somewhat, roughly, or approximately. In plain terms, an informal word meaning "sort of" or "roughly," often added after a time or description.
How do you pronounce “ish”?
“Ish” is pronounced ihsh (/ɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ish” in a sentence?
Here is “ish” used in a sentence: “"Are you ready?" "Ish — give me five more minutes.".”
What part of speech is “ish”?
Depending on how it is used, “ish” can be an adverb, an interjection and a noun.
Is “ish” a common word?
“Ish” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ish” have?
“Ish” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (informal) Somewhat, roughly, or approximately.
How is ish used after a number or word?
Ish is an informal adverb meaning somewhat, roughly, or approximately, often attached to a word or said on its own after it, as in "we'll arrive at seven-ish." It signals that the preceding figure or description isn't exact.
Is ish formal or informal English?
Ish is informal and is best used in casual speech or writing rather than formal contexts. It functions as an adverb meaning roughly or approximately, and also as an interjection or slang noun in casual use.
What does ish mean as an interjection?
As an interjection, ish is informal and used to express mild disgust, similar to saying "ugh" or "yuck." This is different from its adverb use, which means roughly or approximately.