sheep-like

the compound adjective 'sheep-like' is a transparent formation from two germanic roots. the first element, 'sheep', derives from old english 'scēap', a common germanic term for the ruminant animal. the second element, the suffix '-like', originates from old english 'gelīc', meaning 'body' or 'form', which evolved into a productive suffix denoting resemblance. the compound directly follows the english pattern of noun + -like to create descriptive adjectives. its modern meaning, often implying passive conformity or meekness, extends the literal physical resemblance to metaphorically capture perceived behavioral traits of sheep, illustrating a common linguistic process where animal characteristics are mapped onto human behavior.

Structure: sheep (animal) + like (resembling) sheep: origin old english scēap, of germanic origin. functional role: the noun root, providing the core semantic element of comparison. like: origin old english gelīc, of germanic origin; related to dutch -lijk and german -lich. functional role: a suffix forming adjectives meaning 'having the characteristics of' or 'similar to'.