'ladylike' originates from Middle English, combining 'lady' with the suffix '-like', where 'lady' referred to a woman of noble birth and '-like' meant 'similar to'.

'ladylike' changed from the Middle English word 'ladilich' and eventually became the modern English word 'ladylike'.

Initially, it meant 'similar to a lady of noble birth', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'refined and elegant'.