ape-like

The child's ape-like expression made everyone laugh.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Resembling an ape: "ape-like" describes something that is similar to or characteristic of an ape, especially in physical appearance, behavior, or movement.
   • Primitive or uncouth: It can also imply a lack of refinement, suggesting crude or brutish qualities often associated with apes in a figurative sense.

Usage Examples

• Physical resemblance:

  • His ape-like posture made him stand out in the crowd. (His hunched, simian stance was noticeable.)
  • The creature had an ape-like face with a prominent jaw and small eyes. (The face looked very much like that of an ape.)

• Behavioral or figurative use:

  • His ape-like grunting during the argument was embarrassing. (He made crude, animalistic sounds.)
  • The mob's ape-like behavior shocked the onlookers. (The crowd acted in a brutish, uncontrolled manner.)

Advanced Usage

• "ape-like in manner": behaving in a way that mimics or resembles an ape, often implying clumsiness or lack of sophistication.

  • The comedian's ape-like in manner drew laughter from the audience. (The comedian moved and acted like an ape for comic effect.)

• "ape-like features": physical characteristics that are reminiscent of an ape, such as a protruding brow, long arms, or a flat nose.

  • The fossil showed ape-like features, including a sloping forehead. (The ancient remains had traits similar to modern apes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ape (n): a large, tailless primate, such as a gorilla, chimpanzee, or orangutan.

  • The ape swung from branch to branch. (The primate moved through the trees.)

• Ape (v): to imitate or mimic someone or something.

  • He tried to ape his favorite actor's gestures. (He copied the actor's movements.)

• Ape-like (adv): in a manner resembling an ape.

  • He moved ape-like across the room. (He moved in a way that looked like an ape.)

Synonyms

• Simian: relating to or resembling an ape or monkey.

  • His simian features were distinctive. (His face looked like that of an ape.)

• Primitive: relating to an early stage of development; crude or simple.

  • The tools were primitive, much like ape-like implements. (The tools were basic and unrefined.)

• Brutish: resembling a brute; rough and uncivilized.

  • His brutish behavior was ape-like. (He acted in a violent, animalistic way.)

Related Idioms

• Ape-like imitation: copying someone or something in a clumsy or exaggerated way.

  • The child's ape-like imitation of the teacher was hilarious. (The child mimicked the teacher poorly but amusingly.)

• Ape-like strength: great physical strength, similar to that of an ape.

  • He lifted the heavy rock with ape-like strength. (He used enormous, brute force.)