wormlike
|worm-like|
🇺🇸
/ˈwɝmˌlaɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˈwɜːmˌlaɪk/
resembling a worm
Etymology
'wormlike' originates from Old English elements: the noun 'wyrm' (Old English) and the adjectival suffix '-lic' (Old English), where 'wyrm' meant 'serpent' or 'dragon' (later 'worm') and '-lic' meant 'having the form or nature of'.
'wyrm' changed into Middle English 'worm' and the Old English suffix '-lic' produced Middle English forms like 'wormlich' (worm- + -lich), and these evolved into the modern English compound 'wormlike'.
Initially components referred to something like a 'serpent/dragon' or 'worm' and 'having the form of'; over time the compound came to mean specifically 'resembling a worm' and extended figuratively to describe servile or contemptible behavior.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
resembling or characteristic of a worm in shape or movement (elongated, soft, legless, or sinuous).
The caterpillar had a wormlike body that writhed when touched.
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Adjective 2
showing servility, meanness, or contemptible behavior; morally low or spineless (figurative use).
He offered a wormlike apology that satisfied no one.
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Last updated: 2025/12/14 05:30