Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Resembling a dog in appearance, manner, or characteristic: Having qualities, features, or behaviors that are typical of or similar to those of a dog.
   • Characterized by dog-like devotion or loyalty: Exhibiting a level of faithfulness, attentiveness, or affection that is reminiscent of the loyalty commonly associated with dogs.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The creature had a doglike snout and pointed ears. (It physically resembled a dog.)
  • His doglike devotion to his mentor was evident in his every action. (He showed unwavering, loyal devotion similar to that of a dog.)
  • She followed her owner with doglike obedience. (She followed with the characteristic obedience of a dog.)

Advanced Usage

• Used figuratively for unwavering loyalty: Often employed to describe a person's extreme, sometimes unquestioning, fidelity or eagerness to please.
  • The assistant's doglike adherence to the CEO's every wish eventually became a weakness.
• Used to describe physical traits or movements: Can describe a posture, gait, or facial structure that is reminiscent of a canine.
  • The hyena's doglike build allows it to run for long distances.

Variants and Related Words

• Dogged (adj): This is a different word meaning tenacious, persistent, or stubborn. It is related etymologically but has a distinct meaning focused on determination, not resemblance.
  • She continued with dogged determination.
• Canine (adj): Pertaining to or resembling a dog. This is a more formal or biological synonym.
  • The fossil showed clear canine teeth.

Synonyms

• Canine: Of, relating to, or resembling a dog.
• Faithful: Loyal, constant (specifically for the devotion sense).
• Devoted: Very loving or loyal (specifically for the devotion sense).

Antonyms

• Disloyal: Not loyal; unfaithful (for the devotion sense).
• Catlike: Resembling a cat (for the physical/mannerism sense).
• Independent: Self-reliant; not needing the approval or guidance of others (contrasting the loyal/devoted sense).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• With doglike fidelity: A phrase emphasizing extreme loyalty.
  • He served the family with doglike fidelity for decades.
• Doglike attention: Intense, focused attention, as if waiting for a command or sign.
  • The students listened with doglike attention to the visiting expert.

Adjective

1. resembling a dog; especially in devotion
   • a doglike affection