imitative

/'imitətiv/
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imitative

The child uses imitative words like "meow" and "woof" while looking at a picture book.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Copying or following a model or example: Describes something that is produced by imitating or mimicking another thing, often with the implication of being derivative rather than original.
    • Not genuine; simulating something superior: Refers to something that is a copy or counterfeit, made to resemble a more valuable or authentic original.
    • (Linguistics) Formed in imitation of a natural sound: Pertaining to words whose pronunciation is intended to imitate the sound associated with the thing or action they name.
Examples of Usage
  • General Use:
    • His style is highly imitative of the great masters. (His artistic method closely copies the techniques of the great masters.)
    • The child's imitative behavior is a key part of learning. (The child's act of copying others is a fundamental learning process.)
  • Meaning "Not Genuine":
    • The market was full of imitative luxury goods. (The market was filled with counterfeit copies of luxury products.)
  • Linguistic Use:
    • Words like "buzz" and "hiss" are imitative. (Words such as "buzz" and "hiss" are formed to sound like the noises they describe.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Imitative arts": Arts that involve representation or mimicry, such as painting, sculpture, or acting.
    • Theater is considered one of the imitative arts.
  • "Imitative learning": A learning process that occurs through observation and copying.
    • Much of early childhood development is based on imitative learning.
Variants and Related Words
  • Imitate (verb): To follow as a pattern, model, or example; to copy.
    • Parrots can imitate human speech.
  • Imitation (noun): The act of imitating; something produced as a copy.
    • This purse is a cheap imitation.
  • Imitator (noun): One who imitates.
    • He was a talented imitator of famous politicians.
Synonyms
  • Mimetic: Relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting mimicry.
  • Derivative: Imitative of the work of another artist, writer, etc., and usually disapproved of for that reason.
  • Counterfeit: Made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud.
Antonyms
  • Original: Present or existing from the beginning; not derivative or imitative.
  • Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
  • Inventive: Having the ability to create or design new things or to think originally.
Related Phrases and Concepts
  • Onomatopoeia (noun): The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., , ). This is a specific category of imitative words in linguistics.
  • Ape (verb): To imitate, often in a clumsy or unthinking way.
    • He aped the mannerisms of his boss.
imitative

The child uses imitative words like "meow" and "woof" while looking at a picture book.

Adjective
  1. not genuine; imitating something superior
    • counterfeit emotion
    • counterfeit money
    • counterfeit works of art
    • a counterfeit prince
  2. (of words) formed in imitation of a natural sound
    • onomatopoeic words are imitative of noises
    • it was independently developed in more than one place as an onomatopoetic term- Harry Hoijer
  3. marked by or given to imitation
    • acting is an imitative art
    • man is an imitative being