ape
B2Slightly informal for the verb; formal/neutral for the noun.
Definition
Meaning
A large primate without a tail, such as a chimpanzee, gorilla, or orangutan.
To imitate uncritically or clumsily, often with the connotation of mockery. It can also refer to someone who is uncultured, clumsy, or uncivilized.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, primarily biological. As a verb, it carries a negative judgment, implying a lack of originality, thought, or skill.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences. Both the noun and verb are used identically.
Connotations
The slang insult 'ape' (for a strong, clumsy man) is equally informal in both. The verb is slightly more common in UK English.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency; more common in noun form than verb.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Noun: The ape swung from the branch.Verb + object: He aped the teacher's accent.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go ape (informal): to become wildly excited or angry.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing: 'Don't just ape your competitors' strategies.'
Academic
In biology/zoology: 'The study of ape cognition.'
Everyday
Noun: 'We saw the apes at the zoo.' Verb: 'Stop aping everything I do!'
Technical
Biology: 'Hominoidae, the ape superfamily.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The comedian brilliantly aped the Prime Minister's hesitant speech.
- Younger siblings often ape the behaviour of their elders.
American English
- The show was just aping the format of a popular late-night program.
- He aped the coach's walk so well everyone laughed.
adjective
British English
- He has a rather ape-like gait.
American English
- The sculpture had an ape-ish quality to its posture.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big ape ate a banana.
- Apes are strong animals.
- Gorillas and chimpanzees are types of ape.
- The children laughed at the clown who aped the teacher.
- The documentary explored the social structures of great apes.
- Many fashion trends start by aping the styles seen on celebrities.
- His critique argued that the local film industry merely aped Hollywood conventions without developing a unique voice.
- Research into ape linguistics has challenged our understanding of animal cognition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
An APE tries to ESCAPE by imitating humans.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMITATION IS MINDLESS ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (to ape someone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusion with 'обезьяна' (monkey). In English, 'ape' is a specific biological category, not a synonym for all primates. 'Monkey' usually has a tail, 'ape' does not.
- The verb 'to ape' is more pejorative than the neutral 'подражать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ape' for all monkeys (scientific inaccuracy).
- Using the verb in a positive sense: *'He aped the master perfectly.' (Should use 'emulated', 'copied').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a 'great ape'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Apes (e.g., gorillas, chimps) lack tails, have larger brains and body sizes, and have more mobile shoulder joints. Monkeys typically have tails and are generally smaller.
Yes, it almost always carries a negative connotation of thoughtless, slavish, or mocking imitation. For neutral or positive imitation, use 'imitate', 'copy', or 'emulate'.
It is informal and somewhat dated, but still understood. It means to become very excited or angry, like a wild animal.
Yes, calling someone an 'ape' is an insult implying they are crude, stupid, or brutish. It is highly offensive.