Pronunciation: [dˈɒnɪʃ] (IPA) 
The word "donnish" is spelled with three consonants together, which can make it difficult to pronounce for some. The first two letters, "d" and "o," are pronounced as usual. The next two consonants, "nn," represent a syllabic nasal sound /n̩/. This means that the "n" is pronounced as a separate syllable. Finally, the word ends with "ish," which is pronounced /ɪʃ/. Overall, "donnish" is pronounced as /ˈdɒn.ɪʃ/.
Donnish is an adjective that describes someone or something as overly scholarly, pedantic, or academic in nature. This term is typically used to refer to individuals who display a high level of intellectualism or have attained advanced knowledge in a specific field, often characterized by their perceived emphasis on theoretical concepts rather than practical application.
A person who is described as donnish is often associated with being excessively bookish, erudite, or academically oriented. They may exhibit a tendency to engage in lengthy discussions on obscure or esoteric subjects, using specialized terminology that might be difficult for laypersons to understand. The donnish individual may prioritize the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual pursuits above other aspects of life, possibly resulting in a perceived lack of social skills or relatability.
Furthermore, the term donnish can also be used to describe something that is excessively academic or scholarly in nature. This could refer to an elaborate literary work, an intricate piece of artwork, or any other type of content that is highly intellectual and exhibits a certain degree of formality or complexity.
Overall, the adjective donnish is used to describe individuals or objects that embody a high level of intellectualism, often maintaining a scholarly demeanor and emphasizing a theoretical or erudite approach to their pursuits.
The word "donnish" has its roots in the noun "don", which originated from the late 15th century and came into English from the Latin word "dominus", meaning lord or master. In the context of universities, a "don" refers to a university professor, particularly one at Oxford or Cambridge.
The term "donnish" developed as an adjective in the 19th century to describe characteristics associated with university dons, such as being erudite, scholarly, pedantic, or overly focused on academia. As such, it came to connote a style or manner of behavior that is excessively intellectual or academically inclined.
Overall, the etymology of "donnish" traces back to the Latin word "dominus" and the historical association of "dons" with the academic world.
