'stage-like' originates from English, specifically the combination of the noun 'stage' and the suffix '-like', where 'stage' meant a platform or place for performance and '-like' meant 'similar to' or 'having the qualities of'.

'stage' comes from Old French 'estage' (meaning 'a stopping place, dwelling, or platform'), ultimately from Vulgar Latin *staticum (from Latin 'stare', 'to stand'); the adjectival suffix '-like' derives from Old English '-lic' meaning 'body/form' and later 'similar to'. These elements combined in Modern English to form compounds like 'stage-like'.

Initially, the components literally described something 'like a stage' (a platform); over time the compound also acquired figurative senses such as 'theatrical' or 'artificial', in addition to the literal sense.