bookish

[ book-ish ]

adjective

1. given or devoted to reading or study.
2. more acquainted with books than with real life.
3. of or relating to books; literary.
4. stilted; pedantic.

   Synonyms: scholastic, academic

bookish

/ ˈbʊkɪʃ /

adjective

1. fond of reading; studious
2. consisting of or forming opinions or attitudes through reading rather than direct personal experience; academic

   a bookish view of life

3. of or relating to books

   a bookish career in publishing

Derived Forms

• ˈbookishness, noun
• ˈbookishly, adverb

Other Words From

• bookish·ly adverb
• bookish·ness noun
• non·bookish adjective
• non·bookish·ly adverb
• non·bookish·ness noun
• over·bookish adjective
• over·bookish·ly adverb
• over·bookish·ness noun
• un·bookish adjective
• un·bookish·ly adverb
• un·bookish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bookish¹

First recorded in 1560–70; book + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

But his measured, bookish approach is often drowned out by the anguish and fury of crime victims.

From Los Angeles Times

He casually dated her bookish sister, Pat, before he turned to the outgoing Ethel.

From Los Angeles Times

On a chilly, spring Friday night, I scanned my monochromatic closet in an attempt to select an upscale casual lewk that would pair with “comfortable walking shoes,” which my bookish neighbor advised me to wear for our first playdate.

From Los Angeles Times

Few faiths are as bookish or as unapologetic for holding on to tradition in both language and aesthetic.

From Los Angeles Times

And her horn-rimmed glasses managed to look hip, bookish, and nerdy all at once.

From Literature

Related Words

• brainy
• studious