Apishly: meaning, definitions and examples

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apishly

 

[ ˈeɪpɪʃli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

manner of behavior

The term 'apishly' refers to actions or behaviors that resemble those of an ape, often implying clumsiness or a lack of sophistication. It can denote a sense of mimicry, where someone imitates others in a foolish or awkward manner. This adverb is usually used in a derogatory context to describe behavior that is perceived as unrefined or childish.

Synonyms

awkwardly, clumsily, foolishly.

Examples of usage

  • She danced apishly at the party, attracting laughter from her friends.
  • He spoke apishly, trying to imitate the accents of his peers.
  • The child ran apishly around the playground, uncoordinated but happy.

Translations

Translations of the word "apishly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 de maneira subserviente

🇮🇳 नौकरशाहाना तरीके से

🇩🇪 kriecherisch

🇮🇩 dengan rendah diri

🇺🇦 покірливо

🇵🇱 służalczo

🇯🇵 卑屈に

🇫🇷 de manière servile

🇪🇸 de manera servil

🇹🇷 aşırı itaatiyle

🇰🇷 비굴하게

🇸🇦 بشكل خادم

🇨🇿 podřízeně

🇸🇰 podriadený

🇨🇳 卑躬屈膝地

🇸🇮 pokorno

🇮🇸 þjóna

🇰🇿 қызметші сияқты

🇬🇪 მორჩილი

🇦🇿 kölə kimi

🇲🇽 de manera servil

Etymology

The word 'apishly' derives from the word 'ape', which itself originates from the Old English 'apa', meaning 'ape' or 'monkey'. The evolution of the word has seen various adaptations across languages, including Middle English. The suffix '-ly' is commonly added to adjectives to form adverbs, suggesting the manner in which an action is performed. The word 'apish' came into usage in the 16th century, and the adverbial form 'apishly' followed suit. Linguistically, this formation draws a direct relationship between the traits associated with apes and human behaviors, often reflecting a critique of mimicking or imitative actions perceived as lacking depth or sophistication. The usage of 'apishly' in literature often emphasizes the contrast between refined behavior and the crude mimicry that it is meant to portray.