Definition of likewise

The origin of the word "likewise" can be traced back to the Middle English language, where it was spelled "lichweise" or "lykweys." At that time, it was a combination of two Old English words - "líc," which means "similar" or "same," and "wes," which means "way" or "manner." The term was used to emphasize the similarity or parallelism between two things or actions. In Old English texts, it was sometimes spelled as "licwes" or "licwys," with the "y" added to indicate the vowel sound between two consonants. Over time, the spelling of the word evolved, with the "wes" part being shortened to "wise" in Middle English, and ultimately dropping the "c' and the diagnostic "y" in modern English. The current spelling of "likewise" reflects its contraction, with the "i" sound in the original "líc" (pronounced as "igh") and the "-wise" ending combining to form the shorter and simpler word we use today. Overall, the evolution of "likewise" from its Old English roots illustrates the way in which English words can change over time due to spelling conventions and linguistic transformations.