apishly
|a-pish-ly|
/ˈeɪpɪʃli/
(apish)
ape-like; imitative
Etymology
'apishly' ultimately comes from the adjective 'apish', formed from 'ape' + the adjectival suffix '-ish', with the adverbial suffix '-ly' added to create 'apishly'.
'ape' is recorded in Old English as 'apa'; Middle English kept the form 'ape'. The adjective 'apish' (meaning 'like an ape' or 'imitative') arose by adding '-ish' in Early Modern English, and the adverb 'apishly' was formed by adding '-ly' to that adjective.
Originally it meant 'in a manner like an ape' (literal or figurative imitation); over time it has come to be used more broadly for 'imitatively' or 'foolishly' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in an imitative or mimicking manner; copying someone or something like an ape.
She apishly copied his gestures until everyone noticed.
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Antonyms
Adverb 2
foolishly or in a silly, ridiculous way.
He grinned apishly at the absurd suggestion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/18 05:58