What does imitator mean?
An imitator is someone who reproduces the appearance, gestures, voice, or artistic manner of another person. The word is especially common in discussions of comedy and performance, where an imitator may deliberately reproduce a famous person's speech patterns or movements with striking accuracy. In everyday criticism, however, “imitator” can suggest a lack of originality, as when a musician is described as merely copying an established style. The word may be approving when the skill or entertainment value of the imitation is emphasized, as in “a gifted imitator,” but negative when it suggests dependence on someone else's identity. It should not be confused with an impersonator, who may assume another person's identity or role; an imitator can reproduce a style without literally pretending to be that person.
nounA person who imitates or copies the behavior, appearance, voice, or style of another person, often without originality. An imitator may do this as a deliberate performance or as a habit.
- A person who copies the actions, appearance, voice, or style of another person.
"The young performer was a convincing imitator of the famous comedian's mannerisms."
"The comedian was known as a brilliant imitator of politicians' distinctive speaking habits."
"Rather than simply being an imitator, she developed a distinctive artistic style of her own."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The magazine profiled several gifted imitators of famous performers."
An imitator can reproduce a voice, gesture, or mannerism remarkably well, but the most memorable imitators are often remembered for making a familiar style seem entirely their own.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imitator come from?
The word “imitator” comes from Latin imitator, meaning “one who imitates,” formed from imitari, “to copy, imitate, or follow.” English borrowed the Latin form through Old and Middle English, where the spelling gradually developed into the modern word. The same Latin root is preserved in related forms such as “imitation” and “imitative,” and in words such as “mimic” that share the broader sense of copying another person's manner.
How imitator is actually used
The term can describe a professional entertainer, such as a mimic or impressionist, but it can also carry the implication of unoriginal or uncritical copying.