Animalish

/ˈænɪməlɪʃ/ adjective

Definition

Somewhat animal-like; having some qualities of animals but not completely animal in nature.

Etymology

From 'animal' plus the suffix '-ish' (meaning 'somewhat' or 'having characteristics of'), a colloquial formation that emphasizes partial resemblance rather than complete transformation.

Kelly Says

The suffix '-ish' is a softer version—'animalish' behavior seems less harshly judged than 'animalised' behavior, suggesting someone just being a bit wild rather than completely debased.

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