the word 'sportsmanlike' is a modern english compound adjective formed from the noun 'sportsman' and the suffix '-like'. the term 'sportsman' itself emerged in the early 18th century, combining 'sport', from the old french 'desport' meaning 'pastime, recreation', and 'man'. the suffix '-like', from old english 'līc' (body, form), is used to create adjectives meaning 'resembling or characteristic of'. therefore, 'sportsmanlike' literally means 'having the form or character of a sportsman'. over time, the qualities idealized in a sportsman—fair play, generosity in victory or defeat, and respect for the rules—became encapsulated in this adjective, extending its use beyond the playing field to describe any honorable and ethical conduct.

Structure: sportsman + like - sportsman: (origin: english, from 'sport' + 'man') a person who takes part in sports, especially as a profession. - like: (origin: old english 'līc', meaning 'body, form') a suffix forming adjectives with the sense 'having the characteristics of; similar to'.