doveish

Doveish is an adjective used to describe attitudes, policy stances, or rhetoric that favor gentleness, restraint, or easing rather than aggression or tightening. In macroeconomics and financial journalism, doveish describes monetary or fiscal policy perceived as inclined toward looser conditions—such as delaying rate hikes, easing quantitative measures, or tolerating higher inflation for the sake of growth or employment. In diplomacy or politics, doveish can denote a peaceful, conciliatory, or non-confrontational approach.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from the dove, a symbol of peace and gentleness; the suffix -ish indicates a likeness. While "dovish" is the more common form in many publications, "doveish" appears in some outlets and reference works as a variant. Some style guides prefer "dovish," but both forms are encountered in English-language journalism and analysis.

Examples and contexts: Analysts might say “the central bank adopted a doveish stance” or “doveish commentary boosted market bets on a slower pace of hikes.” It is often contrasted with "hawkish," which signals tighter policy or a willingness to raise rates aggressively, and with "neutral" or "balanced" as middle ground. The interpretation of doveish can depend on context, such as the inflation environment or growth outlook, and may vary by region.

See also: dovish, hawkish, monetary policy, central bank communications.