like-minded
UK[ˌlaɪk ˈmaɪndɪd]US[ˌlaɪk ˈmaɪndɪd]
adj
Having similar opinions, interests, or attitudes.
Morpheme Breakdown
like
minded
like
similar
minded
having a mind of a specified kind
Etymology
The compound "like-minded" is a transparent construction from native English elements. The first element, "like," originates from the Old English gelīc, meaning "alike" or "similar," which itself derives from the Proto-Germanic galīkaz. The second element, "minded," is the adjectival form of "mind," from Old English gemynd, related to memory and thought. The compound literally means "having a similar mind," a concept that has remained remarkably stable from its literal Germanic roots into its modern abstract usage describing shared opinions or dispositions. It exemplifies how English can create precise descriptive terms by combining simple, familiar components without borrowing from classical languages.
Analysis
Structure: like (similar) + minded (having a mind of a specified kind)
- like: From Old English gelīc (having the same form, alike), functioning as an adjective meaning "similar".
- minded: From Old English gemynd (memory, thought) + the suffix -ed, forming an adjective meaning "having a specified kind of mind".
Examples
The project brought together a group of like-minded individuals passionate about environmental conservation.
She found it easy to collaborate with like-minded colleagues who shared her vision.
They formed a club to connect with other like-minded enthusiasts in the community.