Imitate

/ˈɪməˌteɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To copy the behavior, actions, or mannerisms of someone or something.

The child likes to imitate his father's gestures.

To perform or reproduce an action, often with the intent to mimic or replicate.

The actor had to imitate the accent and mannerisms of the historical figure.

To simulate or reproduce a particular characteristic or quality.

The new software program can imitate the styles of famous artists.

Late Middle English: from Latin 'imitatus', past participle of 'imitari', meaning 'to copy'.

play monkey see, monkey do

to imitate someone without understanding or thinking

copycat

a person who imitates another's actions

to do an impression

to imitate someone's voice or character

mimic

to imitate someone, typically in a mocking way

emulate

to match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation

copy

to make a similar version of something or someone

copycat

He's such a copycat, always imitating what I do.

to mimic someone

Stop mimicking me, it's getting annoying!