primates: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “primates” mean?
An order of mammals characterized by large brains, forward-facing eyes, and flexible hands and feet, including humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An order of mammals characterized by large brains, forward-facing eyes, and flexible hands and feet, including humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians.
Used metaphorically to denote a hierarchical group, with the highest-ranking individual referred to as the 'primate' (e.g., the primate of a church). The primary, most advanced, or most important members of a category.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the core biological meaning. The ecclesiastical title 'Primate' is more common in UK usage (e.g., 'the Primate of All England').
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations. The ecclesiastical term carries more historical weight in the UK.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in general discourse in the UK due to the ecclesiastical title. Scientific frequency is identical.
Grammar
How to Use “primates” in a Sentence
[Subject] studies primates[Subject] is a primatePrimates [verb]...the evolution of primatesa species of primateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “primates” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. There is no standard verb form of 'primates'. The related verb is 'to primate' which is obsolete and not used.
American English
- N/A. There is no standard verb form of 'primates'. The related verb is 'to primate' which is obsolete and not used.
adverb
British English
- N/A. There is no standard adverb form derived from 'primates'.
American English
- N/A. There is no standard adverb form derived from 'primates'.
adjective
British English
- The primate brain is remarkably complex.
- She specialises in primate anatomy.
American English
- Primate behavior offers clues to human origins.
- The zoo has a new primate exhibit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used metaphorically to denote leading companies (e.g., 'the primates of the tech sector').
Academic
Very common in biology, anthropology, psychology, and paleontology. The central term for the taxonomic order.
Everyday
Used when discussing animals, evolution, or nature documentaries. Not a high-frequency everyday word.
Technical
The precise taxonomic classification: Order Primates. Used in all related scientific literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “primates”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “primates”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “primates”
- Mispronouncing it as /prɪˈmɑːts/ (like 'primatology' without the 'ology').
- Using 'primate' as a general adjective for 'primary' (incorrect: 'the primate reason' vs. correct 'the primary reason').
- Confusing the singular 'primate' (one animal) with the plural 'primates' (the group).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, biologically, humans (Homo sapiens) are classified as primates within the order Primates, sharing a common ancestor with apes and monkeys.
'Primate' is the broader order. 'Apes' (like gorillas, chimps, orangutans, and humans) are a specific subgroup within primates that lack tails. Monkeys are also primates but are a different subgroup.
Yes, 'primate' can function as a noun adjunct (acting like an adjective) in terms like 'primate research' or 'primate behaviour', meaning 'of or relating to primates'.
It is the plural form. The singular is 'primate' (one animal or one archbishop).
An order of mammals characterized by large brains, forward-facing eyes, and flexible hands and feet, including humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians.
Primates is usually formal, scientific in register.
Primates: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpraɪ.meɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpraɪˌmeɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “primate of the industry (rare, metaphorical)”
- “alpha primate (metaphorical for dominant individual)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRIME MATE. The 'prime' or most important/brainy mates (companions) in the animal kingdom, like humans and apes.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS A PRIMATE ORDER (e.g., 'the corporate primates'), INTELLIGENCE/COMPLEXITY IS PRIMATE-LIKE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you encounter the word 'Primate' capitalised and not referring to an animal?