The phrase "did likewise" is spelled /dɪd ˈlaɪkwaɪz/. The word "did" is spelled with just one "d" as it is the past tense form of "do". The stress is on the first syllable /dɪd/ and the vowel is pronounced as the short i sound /ɪ/. "Likewise" has two syllables and the stress is on the second syllable /ˈlaɪkwaɪz/. The vowel in the first syllable is pronounced as the long i sound /aɪ/ and in the second syllable as the schwa sound /ə/.
The phrase "did likewise" is an idiomatic expression that denotes the act of imitating or copying someone else's behavior or actions. It is commonly used to describe a situation where an individual or a group mirrors or replicates what another person has done or said.
The term "did" refers to the past tense of the verb "do," which signifies performing an action. "Likewise" is an adverb that means "in the same way" or "similarly." When used together, "did likewise" implies that someone followed the example or action of another individual.
In various contexts, "did likewise" can imply agreement, compliance, or conformity to a certain course of action. For instance, if a person sees someone give a helping hand to a stranger, they might be inspired and "do likewise" by offering assistance in a similar situation. This phrase is often found in narratives or stories to describe how characters react to certain events or how they adopt a certain behavior.
Moreover, "did likewise" can also be used to indicate reciprocity or mirroring behavior. Suppose two people exchange greetings, and one says hello, then the other person "does likewise" by responding with a similar greeting. It suggests a mutual response or a reciprocal action.
Therefore, "did likewise" conveys the concept of imitation or duplication of action, indicating that someone followed a precedent or responded in a similar way to what someone else had done.
The phrase "did likewise" derives from the combination of the words "did" and "likewise".
1. "Did": It is the past tense of the verb "do", which can be traced back to the Old English word "dōn", meaning to perform, execute, or carry out.
2. "Likewise": It is an adverb that originated from the Middle English word "likewys(e)", which can be broken down into "like" and "wise". "Like" comes from the Old English word "gelīc", meaning similar or resembling, while "wise" derives from the Old English word "wīse", meaning manner or fashion.
Therefore, when combined, "did likewise" means to perform a similar action or behave in a similar manner as someone or something else.