Bookish

Bookish describes a person who loves to read and study, often preferring books and intellectual pursuits to more social or physical activities. It implies a strong interest in literature, learning, and academic matters. This individual often demonstrates a vast knowledge base acquired through reading and scholarly endeavors, perhaps even at the expense of practical experience or social skills. They may be perceived as studious, intellectual, or even introverted, spending considerable time immersed in books and associated activities.

Bookish meaning with examples

• As a child, Sarah was incredibly bookish, spending hours in the library, devouring everything from fairy tales to historical biographies. Her peers sometimes teased her, but she found solace and excitement within the pages of her books, developing a deep passion for language and storytelling. This habit shaped her later life, influencing her to become a writer and academic.
• While his friends were at the football game, John, a bookish teenager, was home reading a dense philosophical text. He loved to discuss complex ideas and debates, much to the chagrin of his father who wanted him to be more athletic. John preferred engaging with the minds of thinkers of the past to attending any social gathering.
• The professor's bookish nature was evident in his lectures, which were filled with literary references and obscure historical facts. He preferred one-on-one discussions about theory to large classes or public speaking. He fostered an environment of scholarship and encouraged his students to explore the intellectual realm above all other aspirations.
• In a world dominated by social media, some view the new intern as delightfully bookish. Her knowledge of various historical novels was very impressive to her coworkers, even if she was not keen to participate in the office social events. The intern prefers quiet work, which allowed her to be a valuable member of the team.
• The character in the movie was portrayed as bookish, always with a book in hand and rarely venturing outside. He struggled to navigate real-world situations and form meaningful relationships, as he seemed to prefer the safety and certainty of the fictional narratives he consumed.