primate

Everyday

1. A primate is a mammal belonging to the group that includes humans, apes (gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons), monkeys and lemurs; primates usually have hands that can grasp, forward-facing eyes and big brains. tree →
2. (church) A primate is the most senior bishop of a country or region; for example, the Archbishop of Canterbury is called the Primate of All England. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on animal groups (classification), primates are mammals with flexible hands and feet, fingernails instead of claws, good eyesight and clever brains; humans are primates too. Many primates live in rainforests and are endangered. In RE lessons about the Church of England or the Catholic Church, «primate» is a title for a top archbishop. Phrases: non-human primates, great apes, the Primate of All Ireland.

Examples

• Humans, monkeys and apes are all primates. tree →
• Primates have hands that can grip things. tree →
• Lemurs are primates that live only in Madagascar. tree →
• Many primates live in groups and look after their young for a long time. tree →
• Chimpanzees are the primates most closely related to humans. tree →
• Scientists study primates to learn how they use tools. tree →
• (church) The Archbishop of Armagh is the Primate of All Ireland. tree →
• Gorillas are the largest primates. tree →

Note

Countable: a primate, primates. Pronounced «PRY-mate» for the animal, and also «PRY-mit» for the church title. Trap: «primate» does not mean only monkeys; humans and apes are primates too. Apes have no tails; most monkeys have tails.