What does imitate mean?
Imitate means to copy the appearance, actions, voice, style, or qualities of someone or something. People imitate an accent, a movement, a performer, or a distinctive way of speaking, while designers and manufacturers may imitate an existing product or artistic style. The verb can carry a neutral meaning, simply describing the act of copying, or a more critical one, suggesting that the copy is superficial, deceptive, or less successful than the original. It is related in meaning to mimic, which often implies a deliberate or amusing imitation, and to emulate, which more often means to match the results or qualities achieved by another person. The related noun imitation names the copy itself, while imitable describes something that can be copied. Imitate is used in both formal and informal contexts in British and American English.
verbTo copy or reproduce the appearance, behaviour, voice, style, or characteristic of someone or something. It can also mean to make a convincing copy of an object, sound, or action.
- To copy the appearance, behaviour, voice, style, or characteristic of another person, animal, or object.
- To reproduce a sound, movement, or artistic style closely.
- To make or pass something off as an imitation of the real thing.
"The young actor could imitate the old professor's voice perfectly."
"The comedian can imitate several famous singers with uncanny accuracy."
"The manufacturer was accused of attempting to imitate a patented design."
Imitate comes from the Latin imitari, meaning “to copy” or “to portray,” the ancient root behind imitation and imitator.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of imitate
Imitate entered English in the late 16th century from the Latin verb imitari, meaning “to copy,” “represent,” or “portray.” Its development reflects the classical distinction between resembling another person or thing and consciously reproducing what another does. The same Latin root produced related forms such as imitation, imitator, and imitative.
Related word forms
How imitate is actually used
The word is common in everyday English and is usually neutral, though it can imply an unsuccessful or superficial copy when used critically. Imitate and its derivatives are used in British and US English.
Easily confused with imitate
Imitate usually means to copy someone or something directly, whereas emulate often means to match or surpass the quality or result achieved by another.