chartlike

Chartlike is an adjective describing something that resembles a chart or is organized in a chart-like manner. It can refer to the visual design of data presentations—a layout that emphasizes structured, grid-based arrangement of information, such as figures, categories, or timelines. In this sense, chartlike elements typically utilize consistent axes, columns, rows, or color-coded segments to ease comparison and trend detection. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe non-visual material that follows a charted pattern, such as prose that presents ideas in a stepwise, tabular sequence.

Etymology: Chartlike is formed from chart, meaning a graphic representation of data, combined with the suffix -like to indicate similarity. It is used in both everyday speech and technical writing, with hyphenated or open forms depending on style guide: chartlike or chart-like.

Usage: Common in discussions of information design, data journalism, interface design, and educational materials. A chartlike dashboard, report, or infographic tends to prioritize comparability and clarity over narrative flow. In music or publishing contexts, chartlike can describe structures that resemble hit-parade charts or tabular catalogs, though this is less common.

See also: chart, data visualization, diagram, table, grid.