lifelike

American  

[lahyf-lahyk] / ˈlaɪfˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. resembling or simulating real life.

   a lifelike portrait.

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lifelike British  

/ ˈlaɪfˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. closely resembling or representing life

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Other Word Forms

• lifelikeness noun
• unlifelike adjective

Etymology

Origin of lifelike

First recorded in 1605–15; life + -like

Explanation

Lifelike things look real, but they're not. A lifelike wax figure might look just like Queen Elizabeth, but it's actually a realistic statue. An artist whose style is described as "realism" probably paints very lifelike scenes, producing paintings that look a lot like photographs. A child's doll might be disturbingly lifelike, made to look like a real live baby. As with many words, this one started life in the seventeenth century with a completely different meaning, "likely to live." The current definition came along about a hundred years later.

Example Sentences

These distorted poses were far from the lifelike models scientists wanted to produce.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

The rapid evolution of AI means that these videos are becoming more lifelike all the time.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

The gaffe underscores how lifelike AI visuals -- even those containing glaring errors -- are seeping into everyday discourse, sowing confusion during breaking news events and influencing political debate at the highest levels.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

The “M3GAN” dolls were so lifelike, and the real sell wasn’t their eyes that draw you in, but the skin.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

“Your Highness,” he would say, “it breathes. Stop my vitals — I fear if you make it any more lifelike, it will flit oil' the page.”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• authentic