Mimicking
'mɪmɪkɪŋ
Definitions
To imitate (someone or something), typically to entertain or ridicule. Also, to simulate or resemble.
'mɪmɪkɪŋ
To imitate or simulate the actions, speech, or behavior of someone or something.
She was mimicking her favorite singer's dance moves.
💡 Simply: It's like being a copycat! If you're mimicking someone, you're pretending to be them, maybe making funny faces or saying things the way they do. Like when you make fun of your dad's laugh.
👶 For kids: Pretending to be someone or something else, like a parrot copying what you say.
More Examples
The parrot is mimicking the sounds of the telephone.
The artist has a style that is often mimicking the works of the old masters.
How It's Used
"The comedian was mimicking the president's gestures and voice."
"The viceroy butterfly is mimicking the Monarch butterfly to avoid being eaten by predators."
Idioms & expressions
monkey see, monkey do
Describes behavior where people imitate others, especially without understanding the reasons.
"The children's behavior was a case of monkey see, monkey do; they copied everything their older siblings did."
From Middle English *mimiken*, from Old French *mimer* ("to mimic"), from Latin *mīmus* ("mime").
The word 'mimic' and 'mimicking' have been used for centuries to describe the act of imitation, with early uses focusing on theatrical performances and the behavior of animals.
Memory tip
Think of a mime! They *mimic* actions without speaking.
Word Origin
"mime, actor"