Peakish

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈpiːkɪʃ/

Definitions

1. A state of feeling not quite well, often manifesting as reduced energy or spirits
2. Experiencing a minor physical discomfort or feeling somewhat off health without specific symptoms
3. Showing signs of mild illness or subtle uneasiness that affects normal functioning

Etymology: "Peakish" is a plain formation: the noun "peak" with the adjective-forming suffix "-ish," meaning "somewhat" or "having the character of." Used of a person, it describes someone looking pale, drawn or slightly off-colour, as if on the verge of falling ill. The base word has a surprising story of its own. "Peak" in the sense of a pointed summit is one thing, but the same noun also gave us the idea of a sharp, pointed projection, and "peaky" in English older usage described someone thin-faced and pinched, as in the sense of looking sickly. "Peakish" follows that same line, so the suffix attaches to a word whose meaning already drifted from the mountaintop to the human face. Its use is therefore less about the summit and more about the thin, sharpened look a person takes on when unwell. The suffix does the rest, softening the word into a degree rather than a diagnosis.

Synonyms: sickly, unwell, feeble, ailing, weak

Antonyms: healthy, strong, fit, vital, robust