ape
UK[eɪp]US[eɪp]
n
a large monkey that has no tail or only a very short tail, such as a chimpanzee or gorilla
n
an insulting word for a person who is stupid or who copies the behaviour of others
v
to copy someone or something, especially in a stupid or unsuccessful way
Etymology
the modern english word 'ape' descends directly from the old english 'apa', which referred to the animal. this old english term has cognates in other germanic languages, such as old norse 'api' and dutch 'aap'. the ultimate origin is uncertain, but it is likely an ancient, possibly imitative, word. the verb sense, meaning to imitate, developed in the 17th century from the observation of apes mimicking human actions, solidifying the metaphorical link between the animal's behavior and foolish or slavish imitation.
Analysis
the word 'ape' is a simplex word of old english origin. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller morphemes in modern english.
Examples
gorillas and orangutans are both types of great ape.
don't be such an ape, use your manners at the table.
he can ape his teacher's accent perfectly, which makes everyone laugh.