-like
suffix
UK/laɪk/US/laɪk/
Used to form adjectives (and occasionally adverbs or nouns) meaning ‘resembling or characteristic of’ something. Derived from Old English ‘-līc.’ Examples include ‘childlike’ (having qualities characteristic of a child), ‘lifelike’ (closely resembling real life), and ‘birdlike’ (resembling or characteristic of a bird).
Example Sentences
Her childlike wonder at the world enabled her to appreciate the smallest details in nature.
He sculpted a lifelike bust of the historical figure, so realistic it seemed poised to speak at any moment.
The swift, birdlike movements of the dancer brought grace and lightness to the performance.
His dreamlike recollection of the vacation blurred reality with fantasy, creating a surreal narrative of beaches and castles.
These crystal formations had an icelike sheen, glistening in the sun and mimicking frozen water.
Their colorless, ghostlike silhouettes appeared only momentarily in the dense fog, then vanished without a trace.
The ninja’s catlike stealth allowed him to slip past the guards unnoticed, scaling walls with uncanny agility.
Writers often use '-like' to quickly convey an impression or evoke imagery, letting readers visualize a scene, object, or character that closely mirrors another known quality or form.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'similar to' or 'having the qualities of.'The suffix '-like' is used to form adjectives that indicate similarity or resemblance to something. Examples include 'childlike' (resembling or characteristic of a child), 'doglike' (resembling a dog), and 'godlike' (having the qualities of a god). It expresses that one thing has qualities or features that are similar to another.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-like' include phrases like 'similar to' or 'resembling,' such as 'similar to a child' for 'childlike.'
Writing
In writing, '-like' is useful for creating descriptive adjectives that convey resemblance or similarity in a concise manner. For example, 'moonlike' evokes a sense of similarity to the moon.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-like' is commonly used to describe qualities that resemble something familiar, such as 'baby-like' or 'catlike,' often conveying affection or simplicity.