What does imitable mean?
Imitable is an adjective meaning capable of being imitated, copied, or reproduced. It is commonly applied to a person's manner, a style, a design, an action, or a product: an imitable technique is one that other people can readily reproduce, while an imitable performance suggests that an actor's distinctive qualities could be copied. The word does not imply that the original is excellent or that every copy will be successful; it primarily identifies something as capable of imitation. Although imitative describes a persistent habit of copying, imitable focuses on the possibility of being copied. In this sense, the word is distinct from unique and can sometimes imply that a person or style is so recognizable that it invites imitation. Imitable is especially useful in criticism, design, performance, education, and business, where one may compare how readily a method, look, or manner can be reproduced.
adjectiveCapable of being imitated or copied. It can also describe a person or style that others readily imitate.
- Capable of being imitated, copied, or reproduced.
- Used of a person whose actions, manner, or style can readily be copied by others.
"The architect's clean, modular design was highly imitable."
"The module's simple interface made it attractive to competitors seeking an imitable product."
"Her precise but natural performance was widely imitable by lesser-known actors."
Imitable means copyable, not necessarily worth copying: a style can be easy to imitate and still be worth avoiding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imitable come from?
The English word imitable comes through the Latin adjective imitabilis, meaning capable of being imitated or copied. That form is connected with imitari, a Latin verb meaning to imitate, copy, or emulate. The same Latin foundation also produced English words including imitate, imitation, imitator, and imitative.
Related word forms
How imitable is actually used
The word normally focuses on whether something can be copied, not on whether the original is admired or the copy is successful. In contemporary English, imitative is more usual when the emphasis falls on a habit or tendency to copy.
Easily confused with imitable
Imitable means capable of being copied, whereas imitative means characterized by a tendency to copy another person or style.