What does apelike mean?
"Apelike" is an adjective meaning resembling an ape in appearance, movement, or behavior. It describes physical traits — long arms, heavy brows, hunched posture — as well as behavioral ones such as powerful climbing, knuckle-walking, or raw, untamed energy. The word appears frequently in natural history writing about primates, in descriptions of athletes or fictional creatures noted for their brute strength and agility, and in discussions of human evolution, where the boundary between apelike and humanlike traits is a central theme. Its tone is largely descriptive and neutral, though it can read as unflattering or even dehumanizing when applied directly to people, given the sensitive history of comparing humans to apes. Related forms include "apish," which adds a note of foolish mimicry. For writers, "apelike" offers a vivid, economical way to evoke primate characteristics without listing them one by one.
adjectiveResembling an ape in appearance, movement, or behavior.
- Resembling an ape physically, as in build, face, or movements.
- Resembling ape behavior, such as crude strength, climbing agility, or rough mannerisms.
"He swung through the trees with apelike agility, gripping the branches effortlessly."
"The boxer crouched low and advanced with apelike intensity."
"Its long arms and heavy brow gave the creature an unmistakably apelike silhouette."
Darwin's critics loved to sketch him as an ape — and the word 'apelike' has been at the heart of debates about human origins ever since.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of apelike
The word derives from "ape," which traces back through Middle English to Old English "apa." The suffix "-like," meaning "resembling," was attached to form "apelike" in the manner of many similar compounds such as "childlike" and "lifelike." Such formations became especially productive in early modern English. Closely related derivatives of the same root include "apish" and "apery."
How apelike is actually used
Neutral to mildly informal in register; common in nature writing, sports commentary, and evolutionary contexts. Rarely offensive on its own, though comparisons between people and apes can carry charged historical baggage, so use care when describing individuals rather than animals or fictional creatures.
Easily confused with apelike
Both mean ape-resembling, but 'apish' carries the added connotation of foolish or servile imitation, whereas 'apelike' is a more neutral physical description.