Definition

Describing someone or something that looks thin or sharp, often due to illness, or relating to a peak or mountainous area.

Example

After being sick for a week, she looked a bit peakish and tired.

Conversation

You look a bit peakish today, are you feeling okay?

Yeah, I didn’t sleep well last night, I think it shows.

I thought so, maybe you should take a day to rest.

Good idea! I’ll try to relax and hopefully feel better soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'peakish' is derived from 'peak' (from Middle English 'peke', meaning a pointed top or summit) and the suffix '-ish' (meaning having the quality of). Therefore, 'peakish' describes something that has the quality of a peak or is somewhat peak-like.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'peak' as a pointed top, and when you add '-ish', it suggests something that resembles or has the quality of that peak.

Visually Confused Words