Donnish

Pronunciation: /ˈdɑnɪʃ/

Definitions of donnish

adjective relating to or characteristic of a university professor or someone who is scholarly or pedantic

Example Sentences

A1 The donnish professor spoke in a way that was easy for the students to understand.

A2 The donnish lecturer's explanations were clear and concise.

B1 The donnish academic presented the research findings in a scholarly manner.

B2 Her donnish approach to teaching literature was well-received by the students.

C1 The donnish scholar's analysis of the text was thorough and insightful.

C2 His donnish demeanor in the classroom commanded respect from his peers.

Examples of donnish in a Sentence

formal The professor's donnish demeanor often intimidated his students.

informal I find his donnish way of speaking quite pretentious.

slang I can't stand those donnish types who act like they know everything.

figurative Her donnish attitude towards life closed her off from new experiences.

Grammatical Forms of donnish

• past tense: donnished
• plural: donnishes
• comparative: more donnish
• superlative: most donnish
• present tense: donnishes
• future tense: will donnish
• perfect tense: have donnished
• continuous tense: is donnishing
• singular: donnish
• positive degree: donnish
• infinitive: to donnish
• gerund: donnishing
• participle: donnished

Origin and Evolution of donnish

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'donnish' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'dann', meaning wise or prudent.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'donnish' evolved to describe someone who is scholarly or pedantic in a negative sense, often connoting a dry, academic demeanor.