chimpanzee
chimpanzee
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "chimpanzee" is /ˌtʃɪmpænˈziː/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
chim-: /ˌtʃɪm/
pan-: /pæn/
zee: /ziː/
Word Form Variations
Singular: chimpanzee
Plural: chimpanzees
Adjective: chimpanzee (e.g., "chimpanzee behavior")
Adverb: chimpanzee-like (e.g., "moves chimpanzee-like") - Note: While "chimpanzee-like" exists, it's not a direct adverbial form of the word itself.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A highly intelligent, great ape native to the forests and savannas of tropical Africa, known for its complex social structures, use of tools, and omnivorous diet.
Synonyms: chimp, ape, primate
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a specific animal species. Could be contrasted with "human" in certain contexts, but not as an antonym.)
Definition 2: (Informal) A playful or mischievous person, often used affectionately to describe someone exhibiting energetic or primate-like behavior.
Synonyms: rascal, imp, scamp, monkey
Antonyms: bore, dullard, serious person
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or relating to chimpanzees; characteristic of a chimpanzee.
Synonyms: simian, ape-like, primate
Antonyms: human, un-simian
Examples of Use
Books:
"The primatologist spent years observing the intricate social dynamics within a chimpanzee troop in Tanzania, documenting their communication methods and tool-making skills." (Adapted from In the Shadow of Man by Jane Goodall, 1971)
"In the classic children's book, the curious little chimpanzee escapes the zoo and embarks on a grand adventure through the city." (Adapted from Curious George by H.A. Rey, 1941)
Newspapers:
"Scientists at the local research facility announced a breakthrough in understanding chimpanzee cognition, demonstrating their capacity for abstract thought." (Adapted from a local science section)
"Conservation efforts are intensifying in West Africa to protect endangered chimpanzee habitats from deforestation and poaching." (Adapted from an environmental news report)
Online Publications:
"New footage released by wildlife photographers shows a mother chimpanzee teaching her offspring how to crack nuts using a stone tool." (National Geographic online)
"The recent study highlights the genetic similarities between humans and chimpanzees, reinforcing our shared evolutionary history." (ScienceDaily)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: In the 1968 science fiction film Planet of the Apes, a society of intelligent apes, including chimpanzees, has subjugated humans.
Television Series: "A recent documentary series explored the unique personalities of individual chimpanzees living in a sanctuary, showcasing their playful and sometimes mischievous nature." (Adapted from a nature documentary series)
Video Games: "Players in this simulation game can observe and interact with virtual chimpanzee populations, learning about their behavior and conservation." (Description of an educational game)
General Public Discourse:
"My little brother was acting like a total chimpanzee after eating all that sugar – he was bouncing off the walls!" (Casual conversation)
"The debate over animal rights often includes discussions about the ethical treatment of intelligent primates like the chimpanzee." (Public forum discussion)
10 Quotes Using Chimpanzee
"The most important lesson I have learned from the chimpanzees is that they are so like us." (Jane Goodall)
"The one thing that differentiates man from the chimpanzee is the ability to use a knife and fork." (Mickey Spillane)
"I suppose you could say that every living organism is a collection of cells, but it doesn't really explain a chimpanzee any more than it explains a human being." (Robert Winston)
"We have no reason to believe that the chimpanzee is not capable of learning language. We have every reason to believe that the human is not capable of learning to live with other humans." (Noam Chomsky, quoted in a secondary source)
"A human being is a chimpanzee who got out of hand." (Unknown, often attributed to various sources)
"If a chimpanzee is smart enough to use a tool, why aren't they building houses?" (Unknown, often discussed in scientific contexts)
"Man is descended from a chimpanzee? If that were true, why are there still chimpanzees?" (Often attributed as a common misunderstanding of evolution)
"My closest friends are people, but I can understand a chimpanzee better than some people." (Adapted, common sentiment expressed by primatologists)
"The true genius of the chimpanzee lies in its adaptability and problem-solving skills." (General scientific observation)
"A chimpanzee cannot become human simply by wearing clothes." (Proverbial saying, expressing superficial change)
Etymology
The word "chimpanzee" has its roots in African languages. It's believed to come from a Bantu language spoken in Angola, possibly Vili (ci-mpenze) or Tshiluba (chimpenze).
The original meaning of these words was simply "ape" or even "mock-man," highlighting the chimpanzee's human-like appearance and behaviors that would have been observed by local populations.
The English word "chimpanzee" first appeared in written records around 1738. This was a time when Europeans were exploring and trading more in Africa, and encountering new animals they hadn't seen before. So, when they encountered this particular type of ape, they adopted the local name for it into English.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee's tea party: (Lesser-known, often used to describe a chaotic or messy gathering)
As curious as a chimpanzee: (Original, highlighting a key trait)
To go full chimpanzee: (Original, suggesting a loss of control or wild behavior, similar to "go ape")
Chimpanzee logic: (Original, implying an unusual or primitive form of reasoning)
A chimpanzee's grasp of the situation: (Original, suggesting a limited understanding)
Monkey see, monkey do: (Common idiom using a synonym, implying imitation without understanding, relevant due to chimpanzee behavior)
To make a monkey out of someone: (Common idiom using a synonym, meaning to make someone look foolish)
More fun than a barrel of monkeys: (Common idiom using a synonym, meaning extremely enjoyable)
To throw a monkey wrench in the works: (Common idiom using a synonym, meaning to disrupt plans)
Apes of wrath: (Playful alteration of "grapes of wrath," implying extreme anger, using a synonym)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of chimpanzee from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.