The word "boylike" is spelled as /ˈbɔɪˌlaɪk/. The first syllable "boy" is pronounced as /bɔɪ/ with a long "o" sound. The second syllable "like" is pronounced as /laɪk/ with a long "i" sound. This word refers to a behavior or characteristic that is typical of a boy or young man. It is usually used to describe someone's behavior or interests, such as playing rough sports or having a love for video games. The spelling of "boylike" follows the typical English pattern of combining two words to form a compound word.
Boylike is an adjective used to describe characteristics or qualities generally associated with boys, particularly in terms of appearance, behavior, or mentality. It refers to the possession of traits that are typical of boys or young males.
In terms of appearance, someone who is boylike may have physical attributes commonly associated with boys, such as a youthful face, a slim or athletic build, or a lack of distinct secondary sexual characteristics like body hair or a deep voice. If a person is described as boylike in behavior or demeanor, it suggests that they display traits commonly exhibited by young males, such as energy, a playful or mischievous nature, a certain level of boisterousness, or a love for adventure and exploration.
The term boylike can also pertain to mental or emotional traits. Someone who possesses a boylike mentality may be characterized as innocent, curious, full of wonder, or possessing a sense of naivety. They may also have a carefree or lighthearted attitude towards life, often devoid of the responsibilities and concerns typically associated with adulthood.
Overall, boylike is a term used to describe individuals who exhibit qualities commonly found in boys, allowing for a nuanced understanding of their appearance, behavior, or mindset.
The word "boylike" is formed by combining the root word "boy" with the suffix "-like".
The term "boy" originates from the Middle English word "boi" which referred to a male child or servant. It can be traced back to the Old English word "cild" which means "child". Over time, "boy" came to specifically refer to a young male, typically before reaching adulthood.
The suffix "-like" is derived from the Old English word "lic" which means "body, appearance". When added to a noun, it forms an adjective that means "having the characteristics of" or "resembling" the noun.
Combining "boy" with "-like" creates the word "boylike" which means having the qualities, characteristics, or appearance of a boy.