'alike' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'gelīc', where 'ge-' meant 'together' and 'līc' meant 'body or form'.

'gelīc' transformed into the Middle English word 'ilike', and eventually became the modern English word 'alike'.

Initially, it meant 'having the same form or appearance', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'similar or resembling'.