rakish
pronunciation
How to pronounce rakish in British English:
UK [ˈreɪkɪʃ]
How to pronounce rakish in American English:
US [ˈrekɪʃ]
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- Adjective:
- marked by smartness in dress and manners
- marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness
Word Origin
- rakish (adj.)
- 1706, "debauched, disreputable," from rake (n.2) + -ish. Related: Rakishly; rakishness. The meaning "smart, jaunty, dashing" (1824) is said to be a different word, probably from rake "slant, slope" (1620s), used especially in reference to any deviation from the vertical in a ship's masts, of uncertain origin, perhaps from Scandinavian (compare Old Swedish raka "project, reach;" Danish rage "protrude, project") related to Old English reccan "stretch." "The piratical craft of former times were distinguished for their rakish build" [Century Dictionary].
Example
- 1. Can maintain the pretending rakish relaxation .
- 2. He plays the novel 's rakish hero .
- 3. Rakish * restraint = slothful * assiduity .
- 4. He looked as if he had glued the rakish beard on to his solemn face .
- 5. And they said I was a rakish lad come to put their harvest down .