What does velvetlike mean?
Velvetlike is an adjective meaning that something resembles velvet. The comparison may refer to a surface's softness, smooth pile, subdued richness, or lustrous appearance, as in velvetlike skin, a velvetlike texture, or the velvetlike sheen of a dark surface. It is often more evocative than a plain term such as soft or smooth because it conveys the combination of tactile delicacy and visual depth associated with velvet. The word is especially useful in literary description, fashion commentary, art criticism, and careful everyday prose. It does not imply that the material described is actually velvet; rather, it identifies a resemblance. Velvetlike is used in both British and American English and is commonly written as one word, though velvet-like is also accepted.
adjectiveResembling velvet in appearance or texture, especially in being soft, smooth, or richly lustrous.
- Resembling velvet, especially in softness, smoothness, or lustrous appearance.
"The painting captured the velvetlike sheen of the evening dress."
"A thin layer of mist lay across the valley, giving the landscape a velvetlike softness."
"She adjusted the velvetlike collar of her coat before entering the hall."
Velvetlike does not name a fabric: it turns velvet's tactile associations into a description of anything from skin and fabric to paint and water.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of velvetlike
Velvetlike is a compound formed from velvet and the suffix-like element -like. Velvet entered Middle English from Old French velours, which derives from Medieval Latin vellus, ultimately from Latin vellus, meaning a hairy skin or fleece. Velour and velveteen belong to the same French and Latin family and likewise denote fabrics distinguished by their soft or velvety surfaces.
How velvetlike is actually used
Common in descriptive and literary English, particularly as a modifier. The closed form velvetlike is standard, although velvet-like is also widely used with a hyphen.
Easily confused with velvetlike
Velvet is a fabric with a soft pile, whereas velvetlike is an adjective describing something that resembles velvet in appearance or texture.