Imitating

ˈɪmɪteɪtɪŋ

verbmedium📊CommonTechnology
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

1

To take or follow as a model; copy the actions, sounds, etc., of.

ˈɪmɪteɪt

verbneutralmedium
Technology

To copy or simulate someone or something.

The parrot was imitating the sounds of the telephone.

💡 Simply: Think of it like playing dress-up or doing a copycat version of something. If you're imitating someone, you're trying to be like them or do what they do. Like when you mimic your favorite actor's voice or actions!

👶 For kids: To do what someone else does or to be like something else. Like when you copy your friend's hairstyle!

More Examples

2

She is good at imitating famous singers.

3

He learned to play the guitar by imitating his favorite musicians.

How It's Used

Art

"The artist was imitating the style of Van Gogh."

Everyday Life

"Children often imitate their parents."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

Copying someone or something is a compliment or shows admiration.

"While they're copying my designs, I try to remember that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

From Latin *imitari* meaning 'to copy, represent, or portray'. It entered English in the 14th century.

The word 'imitate' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of copying or representing something. Shakespeare frequently used the word.

Memory tip

Imagine a mime trying to imitate another person's actions.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to copy, represent, portray"

imitate someoneimitate a styleimitate behaviorimitating nature

Common misspellings

immitatingimmitateingimmitating

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written