apish
/'eipiʃ/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Being or given to servile imitation: Characterized by or inclined to imitate others in an excessively obvious, unthinking, or slavish manner.
- Resembling or characteristic of an ape: Having the qualities, appearance, or foolishness associated with apes.
Usage
- The primary use of "apish" is to describe behavior that is a foolish, exaggerated, or undignified imitation of someone else. It is a critical term, implying a lack of originality or intelligence.
- It can also be used literally to describe something that resembles an ape, though this is less common.
Examples
- Adjective:
- His apish attempts to mimic the CEO's mannerisms made him look ridiculous rather than impressive.
- The critic dismissed the young artist's work as merely apish, lacking any creative spark of its own.
- The comedian's apish antics on stage were more silly than funny.
Advanced Usage
- "Apish imitation": A common collocation emphasizing the slavish and unoriginal nature of the copying.
- The film was criticized for its apish imitation of a popular Hollywood blockbuster, offering nothing new.
Variants and Related Words
- Ape (verb): To imitate or mimic, often in a clumsy or thoughtless way.
- He aped the walking style of his favorite movie star.
- Aper (noun): One who apes or imitates.
- Apishly (adverb): In an apish manner.
- He grinned apishly at his friend's joke.
Synonyms
- Imitative: Following a model or example.
- Slavish: Showing no attempt at originality; copying completely.
- Mimetic: Relating to or characterized by imitation.
- Simian: (When referring to resemblance) Of or relating to apes or monkeys.
Antonyms
- Original: Created directly and personally by a particular artist; not a copy.
- Inventive: Having the ability to create or design new things or to think originally.
Adjective
-
being or given to servile imitation
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