paper-like
Meaning
Having a thin, flexible, and smooth texture or appearance similar to that of paper.
Structure
Usage
The artist used a paper-like material made from mulberry bark for the delicate sculpture.
This new synthetic membrane is remarkably thin and paper-like.
After being soaked and dried, the leaf became brittle and paper-like.
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound adjective formed by directly combining the noun 'paper' with the adjectival suffix '-like'. 'Paper' itself has a long etymological journey, originating from the Latin 'papyrus', which referred to the papyrus plant and the writing material made from it, borrowed from Greek 'papyros', possibly of Egyptian origin. The suffix '-like' derives from the Old English noun 'līc' (body, form), which evolved into a suffix denoting 'having the form or characteristics of'. The compound logically and transparently conveys the meaning 'having the qualities of paper', a straightforward method in English for creating descriptive terms for material resemblance.
Analysis
- paper: Origin: Latin (papyrus, via Anglo-French 'papir' and Old English 'papur'). Functional role: The core noun root, specifying the material of comparison. - like: Origin: Old English ('līc', meaning 'body, form'). Functional role: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating similarity or resemblance.