What does godlike mean?
Godlike is an adjective meaning resembling a god or having qualities associated with divinity, such as extraordinary power, beauty, wisdom, or perfection. In religious contexts, it may refer directly to something divine or sacred. More often, however, it is used figuratively: a performance, leader, voice, or landscape can be called godlike when it is so impressive that it seems almost beyond ordinary human limits. The word is literary and elevated, appearing particularly in poetry, formal description, criticism, and religious writing. Its close relative, godly, has a different emphasis: while godlike describes resemblance to divine qualities, godly more often emphasizes devotion to God or moral holiness. Godlike is therefore especially effective when ordinary praise is not strong enough to convey the sense of awe, beauty, or surpassing excellence.
adjectiveResembling a god in appearance, power, character, or perfection; divine or exceptionally beautiful. It can also describe someone or something with godlike abilities or qualities.
- Resembling a god in appearance, power, character, or perfection.
- So exceptional or beautiful that it seems almost divine.
"The singer moved across the stage with godlike confidence, commanding the attention of the entire audience."
"The young violinist's performance had a godlike precision and intensity."
"From the mountaintop, the landscape appeared godlike beneath the golden light."
Godlike turns an ordinary comparison into a dramatic one: a quality can be not merely excellent, but apparently beyond ordinary human limits.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does godlike come from?
The word is a compound of the Germanic word “god” and the suffix-like element “like,” meaning “resembling.” It developed in English during the early modern period as a term for something resembling a god in appearance, character, or power. Its components are parallel in older forms such as “godlike” used of a deity, and the word is related in meaning to other formations built on “god,” including “godly” and “godhead.”
How godlike is actually used
Godlike is a literary and often poetic term. It may be sincerely religious, especially in descriptions of divine power or beauty, or more figuratively used for exceptional excellence. It is not usually used in casual speech.
Easily confused with godlike
Godlike describes something that resembles a god or seems divinely perfect, whereas godly usually means devoted to God or morally pious.