godlike

Godlike is an adjective used to describe qualities traditionally associated with deities—such as power, immortality, or moral perfection—or to describe extraordinary human attributes that evoke a sense of the divine. The term is formed from god and the suffix -like and has roots in Old English and later literary usage.

In religious contexts, godlike can refer to the nature or likeness of a deity, or to beings regarded as bearing divine attributes. In secular usage, it commonly describes exceptional talent, beauty, or presence, often metaphorically, as in a godlike performance or leadership.

Literature and rhetoric have long employed godlike to signal transcendence or superiority, and to explore the boundary between human and divine. Philosophical discussions about perfection and omnipotence intersect with the cultural resonance of the term, though godlike is not a technical category in philosophy.

Usage considerations include possible hyperbole and the risk of implying unattainable standards or moral elevation that can alienate or obscure human limitations. It also raises ethical questions when applied to real people in celebratory or critical contexts.

Related terms include divine, deity, godly, and godhood. In popular culture, portrayals of characters with godlike powers feature prominently in literature, film, video games, and sports commentary.