ape crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "ape," you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers and helpful explanations to get you unstuck and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "ape crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
COPY: To reproduce something, often precisely; also, a reproduction itself.
5 Letters
MIMIC: To imitate closely, often in a playful or mocking way.
6 Letters
SIMIAN: Pertaining to, or resembling an ape or monkey.
7 Letters
EMULATE: To match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation.
More About "ape crossword clue"
"Ape" is a fascinating word in crosswords because it functions both as a noun, referring to a type of primate, and as a verb, meaning to imitate or mimic. This linguistic flexibility makes it a favorite among crossword setters for creating challenging yet fair clues. When encountering "ape" in a puzzle, consider the context of the clue carefully to determine which meaning is intended.
Clues like "Imitate" or "Mimic" directly point to the verb form, while clues such as "Primate" or "Jungle dweller" would lead you towards the noun. Knowing common synonyms for both meanings is key to solving. For instance, 'MIMIC' and 'COPY' are frequent answers for the verb, while 'SIMIAN' often appears for the noun.
The beauty of "ape" in crosswords lies in its ability to trick solvers who might immediately jump to the most common definition without considering alternative meanings. Always keep an open mind and explore all possibilities when tackling such versatile words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: Many words in crosswords, like "ape," have multiple meanings (noun, verb, adjective). Always think beyond the most obvious definition to find the right fit.
- Check Letter Count: The exact number of letters in the answer is your most important constraint. Use it to eliminate possibilities quickly.
- Look for Grammatical Cues: If a clue implies an action, your answer is likely a verb. If it refers to a thing or person, it's probably a noun.
- Work Around Known Letters: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in to help deduce the remaining letters of "ape" or any other answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is "ape" a common crossword clue?
The word "ape" is common in crosswords because of its dual meaning as both a noun (referring to a primate) and a verb (meaning to imitate or mimic). This versatility allows setters to create clues that are tricky and require solvers to consider context.
What are common synonyms for "ape" in crosswords?
Common synonyms for "ape" as a verb include MIMIC, COPY, EMULATE, or IMITATE. As a noun, related terms might be SIMIAN, PRIMATE, or MONKEY, depending on the length and specific nuance required by the clue.
How can I tell if "ape" means a verb or a noun in the clue?
Look for grammatical cues. If the clue implies an action (e.g., 'Mimic', 'Imitate', 'Follow suit'), it's likely a verb. If it implies a creature (e.g., 'Primate', 'Jungle dweller'), it's a noun. The length of the answer can also guide you, as verb answers like 'COPY' (4 letters) differ from noun answers like 'SIMIAN' (6 letters).