anthropoidea: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Technical/Very LowScientific/Formal (used almost exclusively in biological and anthropological contexts)
Quick answer
What does “anthropoidea” mean?
The biological suborder that includes monkeys, apes, and humans.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The biological suborder that includes monkeys, apes, and humans.
In taxonomy, a major primate group characterized by a larger brain, a more vertical face, and greater reliance on vision over smell compared to other primates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage, as it is a standardised scientific term.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific classification in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “anthropoidea” in a Sentence
Anthropoidea + [verb: includes, comprises, contains][preposition: in, of, within] + AnthropoideaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anthropoidea” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable (noun only)
American English
- Not applicable (noun only)
adverb
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
adjective
British English
- Not applicable (noun only). The adjectival form is 'anthropoid'.
American English
- Not applicable (noun only). The adjectival form is 'anthropoid'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Standard term in biological anthropology, zoology, and palaeontology.
Everyday
Not used; everyday speakers would say 'monkeys and apes'.
Technical
Precise taxonomic classification for a major primate suborder.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthropoidea”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anthropoidea”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthropoidea”
- Pronouncing it as /ænˈθrɒpɔɪdiə/ (incorrect stress).
- Using it as a plural noun (e.g., 'The anthropoidea are...' - better: 'The Anthropoidea are...' or 'Anthropoids are...').
- Confusing it with 'anthropoids', which is a more informal, broader term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Anthropoidea is a *suborder* within the order Primates. Primates also include prosimians (like lemurs and lorises).
No. It is a highly specialised scientific term. For everyday communication, words like 'apes', 'monkeys', or 'primates' are sufficient.
The stress is on the third syllable. In British English: /ˌanθrəˈpɔɪdɪə/. In American English: /ˌænθrəˈpɔɪdiə/.
Anthropoids (Anthropoidea) generally have larger brains, a more vertical face, and are more visually oriented. Prosimians typically rely more on smell and have more mobile ears and a moist nose (rhinarium).
The biological suborder that includes monkeys, apes, and humans.
Anthropoidea is usually scientific/formal (used almost exclusively in biological and anthropological contexts) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANTHROPOIDEA: ANTHROPO- (human-like) + IDEA (form/class). Think: 'the class of human-like primates'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLASSIFICATION IS HIERARCHY (it places creatures on a specific 'rung' of the primate family tree).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Anthropoidea' primarily used?