The phrase "like new" is commonly used to describe something that appears to be in excellent condition or almost new. The phonetic transcription of this phrase using the International Phonetic Alphabet would be /laɪk nuː/. The first syllable "like" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, while the second syllable "new" is pronounced with a long "u" sound. Together, they form a compound adjective that conveys a sense of freshness and quality. Usage of "like new" is often found in marketing, advertising, and online shopping descriptions.
"Like new" is an adjective phrase used to describe an item or object that is in an extremely good condition, often resembling its original state when newly purchased or produced. It implies that the item appears or functions as if it has hardly been used, with minimal signs of wear, damage, or age. This term is commonly used when discussing the condition of various products, such as electronics, appliances, vehicles, furniture, clothing, and so on.
Items referred to as "like new" typically lack noticeable scratches, dents, or other physical defects. They often have intact or minimally worn packaging and may include all original accessories and documentation. In the case of functional objects, such as electronics or appliances, "like new" implies that they display no issues or malfunctions, retaining their original performance and functionality. This phrase can also imply that an item has been recently restored or refurbished to resemble its original state.
The term "like new" is often utilized in the context of buying and selling secondhand items, as sellers may want to emphasize the excellent condition of their products to attract potential buyers. Such items are typically priced higher than those deemed merely "used." In essence, "like new" signifies that a product is almost indistinguishable from a brand-new equivalent, providing an assurance of quality and reliability.
The phrase "like new" is a compound phrase formed from the adjective "like" and the adjective "new". Each of these words has its own separate etymology.
The word "like" comes from the Old English word "gelic", which in turn is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "galikaz". This word ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*gale-" meaning "to shout" or "to sing". Over time, "like" has evolved to take on various meanings, including similarity, resemblance, or enjoyment.
The word "new" comes from the Old English word "neowe", which is related to the Old Frisian word "niuwe" and the Old High German word "niuwi". These words all descend from the Proto-Germanic word "newjaz".