Word
primate
Phoneticspri·mate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹaɪˌmeɪt/
UK/pɹˈaɪmeɪt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a member of the group of animals that includes humans, monkeys, and apes. These animals usually have large brains and use their hands to hold things.
n. any mammal belonging to the order Primates, characterized by advanced cognitive development, binocular vision, and grasping hands or feet. Includes prosimians, monkeys, apes, and humans.
Examples
“Chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates.”
“The zoo's new exhibit focuses on the social structures of various primates, from small lemurs to large gorillas.”
“Evolutionary biologists study the skeletal remains of early primates to understand the transition from arboreal life to the bipedal movement characteristic of modern humans.”
Examples
simple
“Chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates.”
contextual
“The zoo's new exhibit focuses on the social structures of various primates, from small lemurs to large gorillas.”
complex
“Evolutionary biologists study the skeletal remains of early primates to understand the transition from arboreal life to the bipedal movement characteristic of modern humans.”
Usage
In biological contexts, it refers to the entire order; in religious contexts, it can refer to a high-ranking bishop.
Real-World Examples
“Wolff was looking for the so-called ‘simian line’, a particular crease that some humans share with other primate species.” “We found these grooves also appear naturally in wild primates, with little support for tooth-picking as the cause.” Etymology
First attested in 1876. From French primate, from the substantivization of Latin prīmās, prīmātis (“one of the first, chief, excellent, noble”), same as Etymology 2. So named due to the belief that primates are the highest order of mammals or animals.
First attested in c. 1275. From Middle English primat(e), from Old French primat (French primat), from Late Latin prīmās, prīmātis (“chief bishop”), substantivisation of prīmās (same as Etymology 1), from prīmus (“prime, first in rank (also as a substantive)”). Compare English primus, of similar derivation and meaning.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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