Longish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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longish
[ˈlɔːŋɪʃ ]
Definition
descriptive length
The term 'longish' refers to something that is somewhat long or has a degree of length that is more than average but less than very long. It is often used informally to describe objects, periods, or distances that are longer than what one might consider short, but not quite extending into the realm of lengthy. This adjective conveys a sense of approximation, suggesting that while something may not explicitly qualify as long, it possesses enough length to be noted as such.
Synonyms
fairly long, moderately long, somewhat long.
Examples of usage
- She wore a longish dress to the party.
- We took a longish route to avoid traffic.
- He has a longish beard that complements his look.
Translations
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Origin of 'longish'
The word 'longish' is formed by adding the suffix '-ish' to the base word 'long', which originates from Old English 'lang', meaning 'long' or 'tall'. The suffix '-ish' is used in English to indicate a resemblance or to suggest moderation or approximation. This morphological construction allows speakers to convey a sense of length that is not absolute but rather relative and somewhat vague. The use of 'longish' can be traced back to at least the 19th century, where it began to emerge in conversational English as a colloquial way to describe something that does not fit neatly into the binary categories of 'long' or 'short.' Over time, 'longish' has become a part of informal English vernacular, often utilized in contexts where precise measurements are unnecessary or impractical.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #29,383, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 29380 homey
- 29381 clamouring
- 29382 actinide
- 29383 longish
- 29384 gladiator
- 29385 cantonal
- 29386 nullifying
- ...