What does slightish mean?
Slightish is an adjective used to describe something that is slightly so, but not quite. It is often used in informal contexts to convey a sense of nearness or proximity to a particular quality or state. The word is derived from the combination of 'slight' and the suffix '-ish', which indicates a degree or extent. Slightish is commonly used in spoken language and is often employed to describe weather, policies, or other situations where a degree of uncertainty or approximation is involved. While it can be used in formal writing, it is generally more suited to informal contexts where a sense of nuance and subtlety is required.
adjectiveDescribing something that is slightly so; not quite, but nearly.
- Describing something that is slightly so; not quite, but nearly.
"The weather was slightish chilly, so I wore a light jacket."
"The weather was slightish chilly, so I wore a light jacket."
"The new policy is slightish stricter than the old one."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of slightish
Slightish is derived from the combination of 'slight' and the suffix '-ish', which indicates a degree or extent. The word 'slight' itself is thought to have originated from the Old English word 'slīht', meaning 'thin' or 'slender'. The suffix '-ish' is a common formative in English, used to indicate a degree or extent, as in 'lightish' or 'brightish'.
Usage notes
Formal or informal, slightish is generally used in an informal context to describe something that is not quite, but nearly, so. It can be used in various registers, but it is more commonly used in spoken language.