'statesmanlike' originates from Modern English, specifically the combination of the noun 'statesman' and the suffix '-like' meaning 'having the quality of' or 'resembling'.

'statesman' developed in early Modern English from 'state' (from Old French 'estat', from Latin 'status') + 'man'; the suffix '-like' comes from Old English '-lic' (related to 'liec/lich') and became the productive English suffix '-like'. These elements combined to form 'statesmanlike' in English to mean 'resembling or having the qualities of a statesman'.

Initially it meant 'resembling a statesman' in a fairly literal sense; over time it came to emphasize the positive personal and political qualities (dignity, prudence, foresight) associated with a respected statesman.