BUSINESSLIKE

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does businesslike mean? 

• BUSINESSLIKE (adjective)
  The adjective BUSINESSLIKE has 2 senses:

1. exhibiting methodical and systematic characteristics that would be useful in business

2. not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal

  Familiarity information: BUSINESSLIKE used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BUSINESSLIKE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Exhibiting methodical and systematic characteristics that would be useful in business

Similar:

efficient (being effective without wasting time or effort or expense)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal

Synonyms:

businesslike; earnest

Similar:

purposeful (serving as or indicating the existence of a purpose or goal)

 Context examples 

You appear to have been very prompt and businesslike in all that you have done.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

It's too long, but omitting the passages I've marked will make it just the right length, he said, in a businesslike tone.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

There was a great deal of effort about their manner, but no businesslike method.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

Mr. Morse spoke briskly, in matter-of-fact, businesslike tones.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Skiff Miller arose, no longer awkward with admiration of Madge, and in a sharp, businesslike manner asked, "How long have you had him?"

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

Again, and yet again, White Fang sprang in, slashed, and got away untouched, and still his strange foe followed after him, without too great haste, not slowly, but deliberately and determinedly, in a businesslike sort of way.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

It was to be taken as gravely, and in as businesslike a way, as any other transaction of life:—Well, you know what we have to contend against; but we, too, are not without strength.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

If, on the other hand, I am to do it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution should be taken.’

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The American, a quiet, businesslike young man, with a clean-shaven, hatchet face, flushed up at the words of commendation.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Then she said, briefly, in a businesslike way: Never mind what he thinks. That will come after. At present we have two graves to dig.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)