Pronunciation: [stˈɑːla͡ɪk] (IPA) 
The word "starlike" is spelled with the letter "a" between the letters "r" and "l". The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈstɑrlaɪk/. The "a" sound is pronounced as the open back unrounded vowel /ɑ/, while the "i" sound is pronounced as the diphthong /aɪ/. The stress falls on the first syllable. This word is commonly used to describe something that is similar to a star or has a star-like appearance.
The term "starlike" refers to something that resembles or imitates a star in appearance, shape, or behavior. It is an adjective that can be used to describe various entities or phenomena, highlighting their similarities with stars.
In a literal sense, "starlike" characterizes objects that emit light and appear radiant and glowing, resembling the luminous nature of stars. It could particularly refer to celestial bodies, such as stars themselves, that possess a round or pointy shape and shine brightly in the night sky. Additionally, the term can describe any physical object that has a star-shaped form, exhibiting multiple pointed extensions that resemble rays or beams.
Figuratively, "starlike" can describe people or things that exhibit qualities associated with stars. For instance, it may depict a person who shines brightly and attracts attention, just like a dazzling star in the sky. This usage implies that the individual possesses exceptional talent, attractiveness, or success that captures the admiration of others. Similarly, it can be applied to items or phenomena that possess exceptional brilliance, display outstanding features, or stand out prominently among others.
Overall, "starlike" is a versatile term that encompasses both the literal and figurative attributes of stars, representing anything that shares visual or metaphorical similarities with these celestial entities.
The word "starlike" is derived from the noun "star" combined with the suffix "-like".
The term "star" originates from the Old English word "steorra" and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "sternô". This Proto-Germanic word further stems from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*h₂stḗr", which means "star" or "star deity".
The suffix "-like" in the English language is attached to nouns to form adjectives that describe something as resembling or similar to the noun. It comes from the Middle English word "-lich", which was in turn derived from the Old English "-līc", meaning "body", "appearance", or "form".
