#332: Give Better Descriptions In English: Use -ish, -like, -esque

Jan 22, 2025 | Advanced Vocabulary

Have you ever found yourself searching for the right word to describe something that wasn’t quite one thing or another?

Maybe the walls aren’t exactly blue, the time isn’t exactly 7 o’clock, or someone’s laughter feels playful but hard to define.

This lesson will help you solve that problem.

Today, I’ll teach you how to use -ish, -like, and -esque—three powerful suffixes that can instantly elevate your ability to describe colors, times, qualities, and styles with precision and ease.

These endings are tools native speakers use naturally, and by the end of this lesson, you’ll know how to use them, too.

This Lesson Will Help You:

  • Speak with precision: Learn how to describe what you mean, even when something isn’t exact.
  • Sound natural and confident: Use these suffixes the way native speakers do.
  • Expand your vocabulary: Master advanced English that’s practical for everyday conversations or professional settings.

If you enjoy this lesson, here are a few more to explore next:

WATCH THE LESSON

Ready to Put These Skills into Action?

The suffixes and strategies from today’s lesson are game-changers for describing things with confidence and precision in English. But to truly make them yours, consistent practice is key.

That’s why I’d love to invite you to the Confident Women Community—a space designed to help you grow and build confidence through real conversations. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Opportunities to practice these phrases in meaningful discussions.
  • Encouraging feedback to refine your skills and feel more natural.
  • A network of women who share your goals and inspire progress.
  • Focused lessons on authentic, real-world communication.

👉 Click here to learn more about the Confident Women Community. This is your opportunity to transform hesitation into confidence when expressing yourself in English.

Give Better Descriptions In English: Use -ish, -like, -esque

Why These Suffixes Matter

Whether you’ve heard someone describe a sweater as bluish-gray, a person’s laughter as child-like, or a painting as Renaissance-esque, these suffixes— -ish, -like, and -esque—are incredibly versatile and help us describe colors, characteristics, and styles with creativity and precision.

But here’s the challenge: using them incorrectly can lead to confusion—or even offense. That’s why this lesson is here to help you:

  • Understand the meaning and function of -ish, -like, and -esque.
  • Use them naturally and appropriately in both casual and professional conversations.
  • Navigate cultural nuances to avoid common mistakes.

-like: Clear Comparisons 

The suffix -like (usually hyphenated) is used to show that something is similar to or characteristic of something else. It’s straightforward and works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Examples:

  • Her child-like wonder is contagious! (Shows positive, innocent enthusiasm)
  • The predator moved with cat-like precision. (Describes graceful, precise movement)

Formal Use: Perfect for academic, workplace, or technical contexts.

  • The project requires machine-like precision.
  • The results showed clock-like regularity.

Informal Use: Ideal for casual conversations and storytelling.

  • Her laugh is so child-like—it’s adorable!
  • He has dream-like memories of that vacation.

Pro Tip: -like helps you make clear, direct comparisons. Choose words that best describe the specific quality you want to highlight: business-like for professionalism, clock-like for regularity, or dream-like for something magical or surreal.

-esque: Artistic and Stylish 

The suffix -esque (always attached with a hyphen when used with names) helps you describe things that resemble a particular style, manner, or quality. It’s especially common in discussions about art, culture, fashion, and design.

Examples:

  • The building has a Baroque-esque design. (Suggests ornate, dramatic style)
  • She has Clooney-esque charm. (Suggests the sophisticated charisma of the actor George Clooney)

Common Words with -esque Built In:

  • Statuesque: Graceful, tall, and dignified
  • Picturesque: Visually attractive, like a picture
  • Arabesque: Intricate or elaborate patterns

Formal Use: Perfect for professional discussions about style and design

  • The painting’s colors are Van Gogh-esque. (Suggests bold, vibrant colors)
  • The novel has a Kafka-esque atmosphere. (Suggests surreal, complex themes)

Informal Use: Great for creative descriptions in casual conversations

  • Her outfit was totally Lady Gaga-esque! (Suggests bold, unique fashion)
  • That joke was very Seinfeld-esque. (Suggests observational humor)

Pro Tip: When using -esque with names, choose well-known references your listeners will recognize. For example:

  • Shakespeare-esque for poetic or dramatic
  • Disney-esque for magical or whimsical
  • Hemingway-esque for direct, simple style

-ish: Casual and Approximative 

The suffix -ish (no hyphen needed in most cases) is perfect for informal conversations. It’s flexible, playful, and helps you describe things that are “almost” or “kind of” like something else.

Examples:

  • The paint is a little bluish—not quite blue, but close. (Describes an approximate color)
  • “I’m feeling tiredish today. (Suggests somewhat tired)
  • Let’s meet at 7-ish. (Means around 7 o’clock)

Common Uses:

  • Times:6ish,” “noonish” (Around that time)
  • Colors:greenish,” “reddish” (Almost that color)
  • Feelings:hungryish,” “sleepyish” (Somewhat feeling that way)
  • Weather:warmish,” “coldish” (Moderately warm/cold)

Pro Tip: -ish works best with neutral or positive descriptions, especially when talking about:

  • Time: “I’ll be ready in 30-ish minutes”
  • Temperature: “It’s warmish outside”
  • General qualities: “The room has a modernish feel”

Avoid using -ish when describing people’s physical characteristics or age, as this could seem disrespectful. Instead, stick to precise descriptions or choose more appropriate words.

Practice

Look around the room you’re in right now. What catches your eye? Maybe…

  • The color of your walls or favorite mug?
  • The style of your furniture or decorations?
  • The way the light creates shadows or patterns?

Try describing what you see using -ish, -like, or -esque

Share your descriptions in the comments below! 

All my best,

~ Annemarie

 

Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English

Follow my 3-step solution to speak English with clarity, fluency, and freedom so you can say what you want with confidence.

You'll also get my Confident English lessons delivered by email every Wednesday and occasional information about available courses. You can unsubscribe any time.

More Like This

#334: How to Group Words and Pause for Natural-Sounding English

#334: How to Group Words and Pause for Natural-Sounding English

Struggling to speak English naturally? Discover how to group words effectively using thought groups to improve your English fluency and sound more natural. Learn how to pause and improve pronunciation to make your English speech smooth and easy to understand.

Speak Clearly, Get Unstuck, and Sound Natural in English → Available from February 11-25

X
1
0
I'd love your thoughts and questions! Please share your comment.x
()
x

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This