What does simious mean?
Simious is an uncommon adjective meaning ape-like or resembling an ape. It may describe physical features, anatomy, movements, or behavior, and is especially associated with comparative anatomy, evolutionary discussion, and literary description. Although its literal meaning refers to resemblance rather than actual membership among the apes, the term has often been applied to human beings in ways that imply inferiority, primitiveness, or lack of sophistication. In modern usage, simious is therefore more likely to appear in technical writing or in discussions of language and cultural bias than in everyday speech. The word is related to simian and other terms formed from the Latin word simia, meaning an ape. Its distinctive form makes it useful in formal prose, but neutral alternatives such as ape-like, simian, or anthropoid may be preferable in many contemporary contexts.
adjectiveResembling an ape in appearance, anatomy, or behavior; ape-like.
- Resembling an ape in appearance, anatomy, or behavior.
"The animal was identified by its simious facial features and grasping hands."
"Researchers examined the simious characteristics of the fossil."
"The author avoided the simious description of the character, regarding it as demeaning."
Simious describes resemblance to an ape without implying that the subject is actually an ape.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does simious come from?
Simious was formed in English from Latin simia, meaning an ape, together with the suffix -ous, which produces an adjective meaning resembling or characterized by something. The Latin root also underlies English cognates such as simian and simiiform. Related scientific vocabulary reflects the traditional classification of apes as simians, while simiology refers to the study of apes.
Related word forms
How simious is actually used
The word is uncommon and occurs mainly in literary, historical, and scientific contexts. Descriptions of human beings as simious can sound derogatory because of the association between apes and supposedly primitive or animal-like behavior.
Easily confused with simious
Simious means ape-like, whereas simian means relating to apes or monkeys and is also used as a noun for an ape or monkey.