'whitish' originates from the Old English word 'hwīt,' meaning 'white,' with the suffix '-ish' indicating 'somewhat' or 'like.'

'hwīt' transformed into the Middle English word 'whit,' and eventually became the modern English word 'white,' with 'whitish' forming by adding the suffix '-ish.'

Initially, it meant 'somewhat white,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.