likeness

UK: ˈlaɪknəs | US: ˈlaɪknəs

Definition
  1. n. the quality or state of being similar to something else

  2. n. a representation or image of someone or something

Structure
like <similar>ness <noun suffix denoting state or quality>
Etymology

The word "likeness" originates from Old English gelīcnes, combining gelīc (meaning "like" or "similar") and the suffix -nes (equivalent to modern "-ness"). The root like traces back to Proto-Germanic līkōną ("to please, be agreeable"), while -ness is a productive suffix in English for forming abstract nouns. Over time, "likeness" evolved to specifically denote resemblance or a visual representation, reflecting its dual roots in similarity and state.

Examples
  1. The artist captured her likeness perfectly in the portrait.

  2. There's a striking likeness between the twins.

  3. The statue bears no likeness to the historical figure it represents.

  4. Digital avatars aim to recreate human likeness with precision.

  5. His mannerisms show a clear likeness to his father's.