MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What does the suffix -ish suggest about a word?

1. Indicates fullness or abundance

2. Implying suggestion or likeness

3. Indicates a lack or absence

4. Signifies a state or condition

The correct answer is: Implying suggestion or likeness

The suffix -ish suggests a meaning of suggestion or likeness. When attached to a base word, it typically modifies the word to convey a sense that something has qualities of, or is somewhat like, the original noun or adjective. For instance, the word "childish" implies characteristics associated with a child, but not necessarily to a complete or exact degree. Thus, the use of -ish helps to create a nuanced meaning that reflects similarity rather than exactness, indicating that something is partially or somewhat like the original concept rather than fully embodying it.