look-alike
UK[ˈlʊkəˌlaɪk]US[ˈlʊkəˌlaɪk]
n
someone or something that looks very similar to another person or thing
Morpheme Breakdown
look
alike
look
to see/appear
alike
similar
Etymology
The term "look-alike" is a modern English compound, formed by directly combining the verb "look" with the adjective "alike." The logic is transparent: something that "looks alike" to something else. The word "look" traces back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to see," while "alike" derives from Old English words for "similar," related to the concept of "body" or "form." This compound exemplifies a productive pattern in English where two common words are joined to create a new, specific noun, bypassing the need for classical roots. Its formation reflects a straightforward, descriptive approach to vocabulary building in the modern era.
Analysis
Structure: look (to see/appear) + alike (similar)
- look: From Old English lōcian (to see, gaze, observe). In this compound, it functions as a verb root meaning "to appear" or "to have a certain appearance."
- alike: From Old English onlīc, gelīc (similar, having the same form). In this compound, it functions as an adjective meaning "similar."
Examples
The actor hired a look-alike to perform the less dangerous stunts.
The cheap perfume is a look-alike of the famous brand's bottle design.
She's such a close look-alike for the president that she's often mistaken for her.