Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Lifelike Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🦓
Add to dictionary

lifelike

[ˈlaɪflaɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

realistic appearance

Lifelike refers to something that closely resembles or imitates the appearance and characteristics of a living thing. It implies a high degree of realism and authenticity, making the object appear almost real.

Synonyms

authentic, genuine, naturalistic, realistic.

Examples of usage

  • The artist created a lifelike sculpture of a horse.
  • The movie features lifelike special effects.
  • She has a lifelike doll collection.
  • His acting was so lifelike that it captivated the audience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'lifelike'

The term 'lifelike' has its origins in the combination of the word 'life' and the suffix '-like', which indicates similarity or resemblance. The word 'life' comes from Old English 'līf', which signifies the state of being alive, the physical condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter. The suffix '-like' originates from Old English '-lic' and has been used since the Middle Ages to form adjectives that convey the nature or characteristics of something. Thus, 'lifelike' emerged to describe objects or representations that mimic the qualities of living organisms. The usage of 'lifelike' can be traced back to the 19th century, coinciding with advances in art and technology that aimed to create more realistic depictions of life, particularly in sculpture and painting.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,101, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.