Langimage
English

monkeyishness

|mon-key-ish-ness|

C2

/ˈmʌŋ.ki.ɪʃ.nəs/

monkey-like behavior

Etymology
Etymology Information

'monkeyishness' is a Modern English formation from the noun 'monkey' combined with the adjectival suffix '-ish' and the nominalizing suffix '-ness', creating a noun meaning 'the state or quality of being monkeyish'. 「monkeyishness」は現代英語で名詞 'monkey' に形容詞化接尾辞 '-ish' と名詞化接尾辞 '-ness' が付いてできた語で、「猿のようである状態・性質」を意味する。

Historical Evolution

The base element 'monkey' appears in Middle English (forms such as 'monke'/'monkey') and is of uncertain origin (possibly influenced by diminutive formations in Old French like 'monnekin' meaning 'little monk'); in Modern English it combined with productive suffixes '-ish' and '-ness' to form 'monkeyishness'. 語幹 'monkey' は中英語('monke'/'monkey' など)に現れ、その語源は確定的ではない(例: 「小さい修道士」を意味する古フランス語の diminutive に影響を受けた可能性がある)。近代英語では生産的な接尾辞 '-ish' と '-ness' が付加され 'monkeyishness' となった。

Meaning Changes

Initially, 'monkey' designated the animal; the derived forms (with '-ish' and '-ness') originally indicated resemblance to or qualities of that animal. Over time, such derived words have come to emphasize behavioral traits (playfulness, mimicry, mischief) rather than literal animal identity. 当初 'monkey' は動物を指したが、派生語('-ish' や '-ness' を付けた形)は当初猿に似ていることや性質を示した。時を経て、こうした派生語は文字どおりの動物性よりも行動特性(遊び好き、模倣、いたずら)を強調するようになった。

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the quality or state of being monkey-like; playful mischief, frolicsome or prankish behavior.

The child's constant monkeyishness kept the classroom lively but sometimes distracted others.

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Noun 2

behavior that imitates or resembles a monkey's actions—often implying foolishness, mockery, or childish mimicry.

His sudden displays of monkeyishness during the meeting undermined his credibility.

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Last updated: 2025/12/02 19:55