Mushier

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting a texture that feels softer and more yielding
2. Characterized by a softer, more pliable texture often resulting from moisture or over-processing
3. Describes an item that feels less firm and more damp or sponge-like to the touch

Etymology: "Mushier" is simply the comparative of "mushy," so its history is that of "mushy" plus the comparative ending "-ier," which attaches to adjectives ending in -y (as in "easier" or "lazier"). The "-ier" ending traces back to Old English "-iġ," the suffix that gave us "-y" as well, so the comparative and the base word share an ancient ancestry in that suffix. The base word, "mushy," is formed from "mush" with the adjectival suffix "-y," meaning "like or characterised by." Its root "mush" is the more interesting part of the story and is the word that gives "mushier" its sense of being softer, pulpier, or more yielding than something else.

Synonyms: soggy, soft, squishy, tender, flabby

Antonyms: firm, hard, stiff