The word "像样" is formed by combining the character "像", which means "to resemble" or "like", with "样", meaning "sample" or "model". This union creates a compound that literally suggests "resembling a sample" or "like a model", and figuratively evolves to convey that something is presentable, decent, or up to an accepted standard. The formation essentially draws on the interplay between similarity and exemplar, implying that an object or situation possesses the qualities expected of a proper example.