christ-like

The compound 'christ-like' is a modern English formation, directly combining the name 'Christ' with the adjectival suffix '-like'. The term 'Christ' itself originates from the Greek translation (Khristos) of the Hebrew Māšîaḥ ('Messiah'), meaning 'anointed one', a title applied to Jesus by his followers. The suffix '-like' has Germanic roots, evolving from a noun meaning 'body' or 'form' into a productive suffix denoting resemblance. Thus, 'christ-like' literally means 'having the form or qualities of the Anointed One', and its meaning has specialized to refer specifically to the virtuous and sacrificial character traditionally ascribed to Jesus.

Structure: christ (Jesus Christ) + like (resembling) - christ: From Greek Khristos, meaning 'anointed one', via Latin Christus and Old English Crist. Functions as the nominal root, identifying the specific figure of Jesus. - like: From Old English līc, meaning 'body, form, likeness', from Proto-Germanic līką. Functions as an adjective-forming suffix meaning 'having the form or qualities of, similar to'.