Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act of copying someone or something: The process of trying to follow or reproduce the actions, appearance, or behavior of another person or thing.
   • A copy or reproduction of something: A thing that is made to look like something else, often one that is more valuable or genuine.
   • An exaggerated representation for comic effect: A portrayal, especially in comedy, that mimics someone in an exaggerated way to be humorous.

2. Adjective:

   • Made to resemble something else, not genuine: Used to describe an object that is a copy of a more valuable or authentic item.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Children learn by imitation. (They learn by copying the actions of others.)
  • That bag is a cheap imitation of a famous designer brand. (It is a copy made to look like the expensive original.)
  • The comedian's imitation of the politician was hilarious. (His exaggerated copy of the politician's mannerisms was very funny.)

• Adjective:

  • She wore imitation pearls. (She wore necklace beads made to look like real pearls.)
  • The furniture was covered in imitation leather. (The material on the furniture was a synthetic copy of real leather.)

Advanced Usage

• "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery": This common saying suggests that copying someone is a way of showing admiration for them.
  • He started dressing like his favorite actor, proving that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Variants and Related Words

• Imitate (verb): To copy someone or something.
  • Parrots can imitate human speech.
• Imitative (adjective): Tending to copy or follow a model.
  • His style is highly imitative of classical painters.
• Imitator (noun): A person who copies someone or something.
  • The artist had many imitators but no equals.

Synonyms

• Copy: A thing made to be similar or identical to another.
• Replica: A close or exact copy, especially of a work of art.
• Simulation: The production of a computer model or imitation of a process or situation.
• Mimicry: The action or art of imitating someone or something.

Related Phrases

• In imitation of: Following the example or model of.
  • The building was constructed in imitation of ancient Roman architecture.

Idioms

• A pale imitation: A copy that is much inferior to the original.
  • The sequel was a pale imitation of the brilliant first film.

Adjective

1. not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article; it's real synthetic fur"
   • it isn't fake anything
   • faux pearls
   • false teeth
   • decorated with imitation palm leaves
   • a purse of simulated alligator hide

Noun

1. a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect
2. copying (or trying to copy) the actions of someone else
3. something copied or derived from an original
4. the doctrine that representations of nature or human behavior should be accurate imitations