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Definition of elvish

elvish

/ˈɛl.vɪʃ/
el · vish
Adverb:elvishly
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elvish Lexical Profile

elvish Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, characteristic of, or resembling an elf or elves, especially in folklore or fantasy literature.

Example

"The ancient sword was engraved with delicate elvish runes along the blade."

2

Playfully mischievous, Puckish, or impish in appearance or behavior.

Example

"She gave him an elvish grin before hiding the car keys behind her back."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

Any of the constructed languages spoken by elves in fantasy fiction, especially Quenya and Sindarin created by J. R. R. Tolkien.

Example

"Several linguistics students at the university formed a club to study the grammar of Tolkien's Elvish."

Word Nuance & Usage

While traditionally an alternative spelling of 'elfish', the form 'elvish' (along with 'elven') was popularized by J. R. R. Tolkien to distinguish noble, high-fantasy elves from the diminutive, mischievous sprites associated with 'elfish'.

• Nearby Words

elver
elvira
elvis
elvish
elwha
elysium
em

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English elvish, derived from Old English ylfig, from elf plus the adjectival suffix -ish, later revived and popularized in modern fantasy literature by J. R. R. Tolkien.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Elvish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/elvish
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