unparrotlike
|un-par-rot-like|
/ˌʌnˈpærətlaɪk/
not like a parrot; not imitative
Etymology
'unparrotlike' originates from English, formed by the negative prefix 'un-' (from Old English 'un-'), the noun 'parrot' (from Middle French 'perroquet', ultimately traceable to Latin/Greek 'psittacus/psittakos' for 'parrot'), and the adjectival suffix '-like' (from Old English '-līc' meaning 'similar to').
'parrot' entered English via Middle French 'perroquet' and older Latin/Greek terms for the bird; '-like' is an Old English/Proto-Germanic productive suffix meaning 'similar to'; the modern compound 'unparrotlike' is a straightforward modern English formation combining these elements to mean 'not like a parrot.'
Initially the elements individually referred to 'not' + 'a parrot' + 'similar to'; over time the combined form has come to be used figuratively as 'not imitative or repetitive' in addition to the literal 'not resembling a parrot.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being unparrotlike; not showing parrotlike imitation or repetition.
There was an unparrotlikeness to his performance that made it memorable.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
not resembling a parrot; lacking characteristics of parrots — especially used to describe behavior, speech, or manner that is not imitative, repetitive, or mechanical.
Her reply was unparrotlike — original and thoughtful rather than a mere repetition.
Synonyms
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Last updated: 2025/09/27 05:59