Imitate
/ˈɪmɪteɪt/
Definitions
To copy or simulate the actions, appearance, or mannerisms of someone or something.
/ˈɪmɪteɪt/
To copy the actions or appearance of someone or something.
She tried to imitate her favorite singer's voice.
💡 Simply: Think of a monkey seeing someone doing something fun, and then the monkey doing the same thing! That's imitation. It's like copying a friend, a character on TV, or even a sound!
👶 For kids: To copy someone or something else.
More Examples
The robot can imitate human movements.
The spy imitated the diplomat's accent.
How It's Used
"Children often imitate their parents' behavior."
"The artist attempts to imitate the style of Van Gogh."
"The new software imitates human decision-making."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
This idiom suggests that when someone copies or imitates another person's work or actions, it's a form of complimenting the original, as the imitator admires the original so much they want to be like them.
"Although the new restaurant's menu was quite similar to the well-known eatery down the street, the owner said, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." "
From Latin *imitari* 'to copy, represent'.
Used since the 15th century, initially referring to visual copying or artistic replication, then expanded to include mimicry and simulation.
Memory tip
Imagine a mirror reflecting someone's actions – you are imitating them.
Word Origin
"to copy, represent"