Boxlike Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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boxlike
[ˈbɑːkslaɪk ]
Definition
shape description
Boxlike refers to an object that has a shape or appearance similar to that of a box. It is typically used to describe things that are cubic or rectangular in form and often implies a lack of intricate design or detail.
Synonyms
box-shaped, cubical, rectangular.
Examples of usage
- The building has a boxlike structure.
- She packed her belongings in a boxlike container.
- The shelf was made of boxlike wooden crates.
- Their new furniture has a boxlike design.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Architecture
- Boxlike structures often emphasize functionality over ornamentation, as seen in modernist architectural designs.
- The boxlike shape of buildings can optimize space and enhance structural integrity, allowing for practical use in urban environments.
- Minimalist architecture frequently utilizes boxlike forms to create open and uncluttered living spaces.
Art
- Cubism, an early 20th-century art movement, frequently represented subjects in boxlike shapes, breaking down forms into geometric figures.
- Artists like Piet Mondrian used boxlike grids in their abstract works to convey order and simplicity.
- In sculpture, boxlike forms can symbolize the containment of ideas or emotions within a structured exterior.
Technology
- Boxlike designs are prevalent in tech, from computers to gaming consoles, often prioritizing practicality and efficiency.
- The concept of 'boxlike' structures is utilized in robotics, where components are housed in compact, efficient arrangements.
- Square or rectangular designs in appliances maximize storage and usability in modern kitchens.
Origin of 'boxlike'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'box' comes from the Old English 'box', which means a container made from wood or other materials.
- The suffix '-like' is derived from Old English 'lic', meaning 'having the likeness of'. Combining them denotes something that resembles a box.
- As a descriptive term, 'boxlike' appeared in English literature to convey simplicity and structure in design.
The term 'boxlike' is derived from the word 'box,' which originates from the Old English 'boxa,' meaning a receptacle or container made of wood or other materials. The word 'box' itself has its roots in the Latin 'buxus,' referring to the boxwood tree, whose wood was often used to make boxes due to its durability and fine grain. The suffix '-like' is added to indicate similarity or resemblance. Usage of 'boxlike' in English began to gain traction in the mid-20th century as designers and architects began to describe objects and structures with minimalist, geometric shapes characteristic of modernist design. Over time, this adjective has remained in use to capture the essence of various items that embody a boxy, angular aesthetic.