What does the suffix '-ish' mean?

• A. Suggesting or like.
• B. Filled with or marked by.
• C. Marked by or characterized by.
• D. Characterized by.

Answer: (A)

The suffix -ish signals resemblance or approximation, meaning something is like that thing or has that quality only to a somewhat lesser extent. It works to soften or broaden the meaning, not to claim a definite, full trait. For example, greenish means somewhat green, and childish points to behaving like a child or having childlike qualities. Because of this, the best fit is the idea of “suggesting or like”—it captures both the sense of similarity and an approximate degree. The other options describe being filled with, marked by, or fully characterized by something, which isn’t how -ish typically functions.