Grimmish

/ˈɡrɪmɪʃ/ adjective

Definition

Somewhat grim; having a quality of being dark, forbidding, or harsh, but not extremely so.

Etymology

From 'grim' (Old English 'grim' meaning fierce or cruel) plus the suffix '-ish' meaning 'somewhat' or 'rather.' The '-ish' softens the intensity of 'grim.'

Kelly Says

The suffix '-ish' is fascinating because it makes any adjective negotiable—'grimmish' is darker than normal but not catastrophically so, like saying 'kind of serious but maybe not totally.'

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