Here's how it changes the meaning of the base word "blue":
* Base Word: Blue - This refers to the color blue, a specific shade.
* Suffix: -ish - This suffix indicates a resemblance to something, suggesting a quality that is similar to, but not exactly, the base word.
Therefore, "bluish" means:
* A shade that is similar to blue, but not exactly blue. It might be a lighter or darker version of blue, or have a slight hint of another color.
Examples:
* "The sky was a beautiful bluish color." (The sky was a shade of blue, but not necessarily a pure blue.)
* "Her eyes were bluish-green." (Her eyes were a mix of blue and green, with a stronger resemblance to blue.)
In summary, the suffix "-ish" softens the meaning of the base word, indicating a resemblance rather than an exact match.