WordGarden.ionewish
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /njˈuːɪʃ/
US
- /ˈnuɪʃ/
Meanings
Adjective
somewhat new; fairly recent or recently acquired
Beyond the definition
"Newish" is not brand-new, but it is not old either. It describes something that is fairly recent or has not been around for very long. Think of a car that is only a few years old: it is not fresh off the lot, but it still feels fairly modern. You use "newish" when an exact age does not matter and you just want to show that something is still quite recent. It often suggests a little use, but not much. A friend might talk about their "newish" apartment when it still feels fairly new, even if they have already lived there for a while.
"Newish" is an informal adjective used to describe something that is fairly new, but not completely brand-new. It sits between "new" and "old" and suggests that something appeared, was bought, or started fairly recently. It does not mean perfect or unused. Instead, it usually means that something still feels recent.
The word is useful because it adds a soft, natural kind of detail. A "new" phone sounds as if it just came from the store. An "old" phone sounds outdated. A "newish" phone, though, may be one that has only been used for a short time, or one that still seems fairly current even if it is no longer brand-new.
You will often hear it in casual conversation about things people own or use: "I got a newish laptop," or "We stayed in a newish hotel." It can also be used for places, systems, or ideas that are still fairly recent: "The software is newish, so there might still be some bugs." Unlike simply saying "new," "newish" leaves room for a little age, wear, or uncertainty. It is a friendly, everyday way to talk about something that is still fairly recent without claiming that it is completely new.
Examples
- 1
Furniture
We bought a newish sofa last year, so it still looks fine.
- 2
Technology
The phone is newish, but the battery already drains fast.
- 3
Learning software
I'm still newish to this software, so I may need a minute.
- Patternnewish to + thing/place
not very experienced with it yet
- 4
Workplace
She's newish here, so she may not know the usual process.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Policy
It's a newish policy, and people are still getting used to it.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- newish