What does mimetic mean?
Mimetic describes something based on imitation, especially an artistic work, behavior, or capacity that reproduces the forms or actions of the world it observes. In art and literature, the term can refer to a tradition of representation in which recognizable human, animal, or natural forms are recreated through artistic technique. In psychology and biology, it may describe an organism's ability or tendency to copy observed movement or behavior. The word is more formal and specialized than imitative, and it often carries an academic or critical tone. Its association with the Greek concept of mimesis makes it especially useful when discussing representation, imitation, and the relationship between art and reality. The word is also used more broadly for characteristic patterns of resemblance, such as the mimetic coloration of certain insects or animals.
adjectiveCharacterized by imitation or mimicry, especially of the appearance, movement, or behavior of living things. In the arts and humanities, the term refers to works that reproduce natural forms or actions through imitation.
- Characterized by imitation, especially of the appearance, movement, or behavior of another organism or object.
- Relating to or employing artistic representation based on imitation of natural forms.
- In psychology and biology, relating to the innate tendency or ability to imitate observed actions.
"The museum's collection includes several examples of mimetic sculpture, in which the artist closely imitates the human form."
"The film relies on mimetic behavior, with the actors copying the gestures and rhythms of their characters."
"Researchers studied the mimetic abilities of young children."
From the Greek tradition of mimesis, mimetic art turns imitation into a way of representing the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mimetic
Mimetic comes from Greek mimētikos, meaning “imitative” or “pertaining to imitation,” derived from the root associated with mimēsis, the act of copying or representing. The word entered English through the study of ancient rhetoric, aesthetics, and artistic representation. It is related to mimic, which also comes from the same Greek and Latin word for an imitator, and to mimesis, the classical concept of artistic or rhetorical imitation.
Related word forms
How mimetic is actually used
The word is formal and especially common in academic discussion of art, literature, psychology, and biology. It is more specific than simply imitative and can suggest either close reproduction of observed forms or the general human capacity for imitation.
Easily confused with mimetic
A mimic is a person or animal that imitates another, whereas mimetic is an adjective describing something characterized by imitation.