man-like

The word 'manlike' is a straightforward compound formed within English from its native Germanic elements. The first element, 'man', has a complex history, deriving from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'person' or 'human', which over time in English became more specifically associated with the male gender. The second element, 'like', originates from a Germanic root for 'body' or 'form', evolving into a suffix denoting similarity or resemblance. The compound thus logically builds its meaning from these parts: literally 'having the form or characteristics of a man'. Its modern usage typically describes qualities—physical, behavioral, or abstract—that are considered characteristic of a human male.

Structure: man (human, adult male) + like (having the characteristics of) 'Man' is from Old English 'mann' (human being, person, adult male), of Germanic origin. 'Like' is from Old English 'līc' (body, form) and the suffix '-līc' (having the form of), of Germanic origin.