likewise

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈlaɪkˌwaɪz/^[1]

Etymology

It is from the phrase in like wise, in the same manner,^[2][3][4] from like and wise, manner.^[2][5]

Earliest recorded meaning

In like wise, in the same manner: the full phrase 1449, the mid-15th century in Etymonline.^[6][2]

Semantic evolution

Likewise as one word, in the same manner, is from before 1460, now archaic except in to do likewise.^[6][4] Also, as well, moreover, is from 1509.^[6] It is also used as a reply meaning the same to you.^[4]

Timeline

• 1449 – in like wise.^[6]
• before 1460 – likewise, similarly.^[6]
• 1509 – also, moreover.^[6]

Modern meaning

Adverb

1. In the same way; similarly.
2. As well; also.

Related words

• like
• wise
• otherwise
• clockwise

References

1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ Pearsall, Judy, ed. (1998), The New Oxford Dictionary of English, Oxford: Clarendon Press
4. ^ a b c Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
5. ^ Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
6. ^ a b c d e f Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press