adult-like
UK[ˈædʌltˌlaɪk]US[əˈdʌltˌlaɪk]
adj
resembling or characteristic of an adult, especially in behavior, maturity, or appearance.
Morpheme Breakdown
adult
like
adult
like
having the form or characteristics of
Etymology
the word is a modern english compound, transparently combining the noun "adult" with the suffix "-like." "adult" originates from the latin verb adolescere, meaning "to grow up," with its past participle adultus signifying one who has reached maturity. the suffix "-like" descends from the old english -līc, related to the noun līc (body, form), which evolved into a productive suffix for forming adjectives meaning "similar to" or "characteristic of." therefore, "adult-like" logically denotes possessing the qualities or appearance associated with a mature, grown person, a meaning directly constructed from its two constituent parts.
Analysis
Structure: adult + like
- adult: from latin adultus (grown up, mature), past participle of adolescere (to grow up). functions as the core noun/adjective root denoting maturity.
- like: from old english līc (body, form; like, similar), via the suffix -līc. functions as an adjective-forming suffix meaning "having the form or characteristics of".
Examples
the child displayed an adult-like sense of responsibility during the crisis.
her adult-like demeanor often makes people forget she is only a teenager.
the doll was designed with surprisingly adult-like features.