godlike
Meaning
Resembling or having the qualities of a god or God, especially in being supremely good, powerful, or magnificent.
Structure
Usage
The hero in the epic was portrayed with godlike strength and wisdom.
Her composure during the crisis was almost godlike.
The artist sought to capture a godlike serenity in the sculpture's expression.
Etymology
The word 'godlike' is a transparent compound formed within English from its native Germanic elements. The first element, 'god', derives from the Proto-Germanic 'gudą', a neuter noun whose precise origin is debated but which came to signify a supreme being or deity. The second element, 'like', originates from the Proto-Germanic 'līką', meaning 'body, form, or likeness'. When combined, these roots create a literal meaning of 'having the form or likeness of a god'. Over time, this literal sense evolved into the modern abstract meaning, describing any person or quality that embodies the supreme perfection, power, or majesty traditionally attributed to a divine being.
Analysis
- god: From Old English 'god', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'god' and German 'Gott'. Functions as the core noun denoting a deity. - like: From Old English 'līc', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch '-lijk' and German '-lich'. Functions as an adjective-forming suffix meaning 'having the form or qualities of'.