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DictionaryRoot: -ikos
Greek

-ikos

connected with or characteristic of

Forms

  • -ikos
  • -ic — The ending shortened as Greek words entered Latin, French, and English.

Origin

Greek -ikos continued an older Indo-European ending used to describe a connection or kind.

Note

English extended this borrowed ending to newly coined words.

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A calm woman tenderly cradles a rescued small dove in both hands, her gentle expression and careful pose suggesting exceptional kindness; no halo necessary, sparse setting.
adjective

angelic

an-JEL-ik/ænˈdʒelɪk/

Relating to or resembling an angel.

Etymology
angelGreekmessenger, angel
+icGreekconnected with or characteristic of

The messenger base had acquired the religious meaning “angel,” so the adjective meant “like or befitting an angel.” That comparison developed into praise for someone wonderfully pure, sweet, or beautiful.

Full entry

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