Tragically, ape isn't living (7)

I believe the answer is:

sapient

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'living' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'tragically ape isn't' is the wordplay.
'tragically' indicates an anagram (I've seen this in other clues).
'ape'+'isnt'='apeisnt'
'apeisnt' with letters rearranged gives 'SAPIENT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sapient that I've seen before include "very keen" , "Acutely insightful and wise" , "Discerning" , "Having intelligence" , "Snipe at, being wise" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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