What does largish mean?
“Largish” is an informal adjective meaning somewhat large or fairly big. It describes something that is noticeably sizable but does not meet the stronger impression conveyed by words such as “huge,” “enormous,” or “massive.” The suffix “-ish” softens the meaning and allows the speaker to make an approximate assessment rather than give a precise measurement. For example, a room might be called “largish” when it is roomy but not enormous, or a bill might be described as a “largish sum” when the amount is significant without being exceptionally large. The word is common in everyday conversation and informal writing, and it can sound gently dismissive when used to qualify a cost, mistake, or other unwanted feature. It is particularly useful when a simple, conversational expression of moderate size is needed.
adjectiveSomewhat or fairly large, but not especially large. The word is often used in informal speech to give a qualified, approximate assessment of size.
- Somewhat large; fairly big.
"They bought a largish house on the outskirts of town."
"The package was largish, but it still fitted through the letterbox."
"The repair will cost a largish amount, according to the initial estimate."
The suffix in “largish” does what it does elsewhere: it softens a strong statement into a cautious approximation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of largish
The adjective is formed in English by adding the productive suffix “-ish” to “large.” This suffix is widely used in modern English to indicate a moderate or approximate degree, as in “greenish,” “reddish,” and “youngish,” making “largish” a transparent English formation rather than a separate inherited root.
How largish is actually used
Informal and usually neutral to mildly dismissive. It is more conversational than “sizeable” and less emphatic than “enormous” or “huge.”
Easily confused with largish
“Large” states plainly that something is big, whereas “largish” means somewhat large and often conveys a less definite or more informal judgement.