Definition

1. Verb:
   • To copy or reproduce someone's behavior, speech, or appearance: To act or look like another person or thing.
   • To follow as a model or example: To take someone's actions or qualities as a pattern to follow.
   • To produce a copy or simulation of something: To create something that resembles an original, sometimes with the intent to replicate or deceive.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The comedian can perfectly imitate the president's voice.
  • Younger siblings often imitate the actions of their older brothers and sisters.
  • Some artists imitate the styles of the old masters.
  • The software can imitate human handwriting.

Advanced Usage

• "Life imitates art": A saying suggesting that real events often seem to copy artistic representations.
  • The strange coincidence felt like a case of life imitating art.
• To imitate to the point of flattery: Often used in the idiom "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," meaning that copying someone shows admiration.
  • He wasn't angry she used his idea; he believed imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Variants and Related Words

• Imitation (noun): The act of imitating, or a copy of something.
  • The bag was a cheap imitation of a designer brand.
• Imitative (adjective): Tending to imitate; copying.
  • The imitative behavior of the birds was fascinating to watch.
• Imitator (noun): A person or thing that imitates.
  • He was a talented imitator of famous actors.

Synonyms

• Copy: To make a similar or identical version.
• Mimic: To imitate closely, especially speech or mannerisms.
• Emulate: To match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation.
• Simulate: To create a model or representation that imitates the conditions of a situation.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Imitate" is not commonly used with particles to form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically expressed directly.) - To imitate someone/something in something: To copy a specific aspect. - She imitated her mentor in her meticulous approach to research.

Related Idioms

• A poor imitation: A copy that is not as good as the original.
  • The sequel was a poor imitation of the brilliant first film.
• Imitation of life: Something that artificially replicates real, complex experiences.
  • The reality TV show was a shallow imitation of life.

Verb

1. make a reproduction or copy of
2. appear like, as in behavior or appearance
   • Life imitate art
3. reproduce someone's behavior or looks
   • The mime imitated the passers-by
   • Children often copy their parents or older siblings