What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
apish
Example
He made apish gestures and funny faces to make his friends laugh. [apish: adjective]
Example
The comedian's apish antics on stage had the audience in stitches. [apish: adjective]
simian
Example
The scientist studied the simian behavior of the chimpanzees in the jungle. [simian: adjective]
Example
Her simian-like agility allowed her to climb trees effortlessly. [simian-like: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Apish is less common and tends to be used in informal or colloquial contexts, while simian is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between apish and simian?
While apish is associated with a more casual and informal tone, simian is generally more formal and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.