めく・
めく attaches to certain established nouns and says that something is beginning to show the signs, atmosphere, or character associated with that noun. It describes a perceptible impression, not literal identity.
Signs rather than literal change
The base noun supplies an atmosphere or recognizable set of signs. The subject does not literally become that noun: warmer air can suggest spring, a smile can suggest mystery, and a tone of voice can carry irony.
朝の風が柔らかくなり、町は急に春めいてきた。
The morning breeze softened, and the town suddenly began to feel like spring.
AnalyzeThe town has not literally become spring; changes in the air and surroundings give it a springlike atmosphere.
The two most useful forms
めいた commonly modifies a noun, while めいて links the description to what follows.
A more casual alternative
めく is descriptive and focuses on an emerging atmosphere or perceptible signs. っぽい is broader and more conversational, and can simply describe resemblance or a tendency.
この上着、ちょっと子どもっぽいね。
This jacket looks a little childish, doesn't it?
AnalyzeThis is the casual neighboring pattern, used here for straightforward resemblance rather than an emerging atmosphere.
More examples
寒さが緩むにつれて、山里は日ごとに春めく。
As the cold eases, the mountain village grows more springlike by the day.
Analyze木々の色が少しずつ秋めいてきた。
The colors of the trees have gradually begun to take on an autumnal air.
Analyze彼は謎めいた笑みを浮かべ、何も答えなかった。
He gave a mysterious smile and said nothing.
Analyzeその発言はどこか皮肉めいて聞こえた。
The remark sounded somehow tinged with irony.
Analyze会場には儀式めいた緊張感が漂っていた。
A ceremonial tension hung over the venue.
Analyze彼女の説明はしだいに説教めいてきた。
Her explanation gradually began to sound like a lecture.
Analyzeその庭は整いすぎて、どこか人工めいていた。
The garden was so perfectly arranged that it felt somewhat artificial.
Analyze彼は冗談めいた口調で、もう戻らないかもしれないと言った。
In a half-joking tone, he said that he might not come back.
Analyze