roundish

Everyday

1. Almost round, but not quite a perfect circle or ball. tree →
2. (of a number) Roughly a round number. tree →

In the lessons

In science and maths lessons it describes shapes found in nature that are nearly round, like pebbles, seeds or leaves. In everyday life it describes faces, buns or tables. «-ish» means «a bit» or «roughly». Phrases: «a roundish shape», «roundish leaves».

Examples

• The beetle has a roundish body. tree →
• We found a smooth roundish pebble on the beach. tree →
• Draw a roundish blob for the head. tree →
• The leaves are roundish with wavy edges. tree →
• Let's meet at roundish five o'clock — about then. tree →
• Potatoes come in roundish and long shapes. tree →

Note

Informal. «-ish» can go on many words: greenish, smallish, sevenish. In maths, a roundish shape is not a circle, so you cannot use circle formulas exactly.