Rabbitish

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having attributes or mannerisms that evoke those of rabbits, especially in their timid or agile nature
2. Displaying traits that are reminiscent of rabbits, particularly in terms of being humble or energetically spry
3. Exhibiting characteristics that are suggestive of rabbits, particularly in their behavior of being lively or shy in various situations

Etymology: "Rabbitish" is a plain formation: the noun "rabbit" with the suffix "-ish," meaning "like or characteristic of." The suffix is ancient in English, descending from Old English "-isc," and it attaches freely to nouns to describe qualities, as in "childish" or "bookish." The result describes something with the feel of a rabbit, whether that is a person who darts about nervously, startles easily, or moves with quick, twitchy energy. Because the base noun is so familiar and the suffix so productive, the word needs no special coinage story; its meaning follows directly from its parts, and the sense of skittishness comes from the animal's well-known habits rather than from any shift in the word itself.

Synonyms: timid, shy

Antonyms: bold, confident