Oathlike

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having the solemn, binding quality of a vow or sworn promise made before witnesses
2. Resembling a formal pledge in its seriousness, as though a solemn vow had been spoken
3. Characterized by the weight and solemnity of an oath, sworn or promised with great gravity

Etymology: "Oathlike" is about as plain as English compounds get: it joins "oath" with the suffix "-like," which means "resembling or having the character of" whatever comes before it. So an oathlike statement is one that sounds like a solemn vow, whether or not it is one. "Oath" itself traces back to Old English "āþ," and the "-like" ending goes back to Old English "-līc," which was built on "līc" (body or form), a sense still visible in words like "lifelike." Because the suffix is productive, English speakers can attach "-like" to almost any noun, so the pattern does the work here rather than any single historical event. The word is best read as a transparent formation: take the vow, add the resemblance.

Synonyms: binding, solemn, sworn