'sportsmanlike' originates from the English word 'sportsman,' which refers to a person who engages in sports, combined with the suffix '-like,' meaning 'resembling or characteristic of.'

'sportsman' evolved from the Middle English word 'sportesman,' which referred to someone who engaged in outdoor activities, and '-like' was added to form 'sportsmanlike.'

Initially, it meant 'resembling a sportsman,' but over time it evolved to emphasize fairness and respect in sports.