apingly
|eɪ-pɪŋ-li|
C2
/ˈeɪpɪŋli/
(ape)
primate or mimic
Etymology
Etymology Information
'apingly' originates from English, specifically the word 'ape', where the root 'ape' referred to the animal 'monkey' and by extension to 'imitate'.
Historical Evolution
'apingly' developed from the Middle English present participle 'aping' (from the verb 'ape'); the adverbial suffix '-ly' was later added to form 'apingly'.
Meaning Changes
Initially it meant 'in the manner of an ape' (literally monkey-like); over time it evolved to mean 'in an imitative or often mocking manner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a way that imitates someone or something, often in a mocking, unoriginal, or slavish manner.
She laughed apingly at his jokes, not because they were funny but to mock him.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/08 03:08