impersonate

/im'pə:səneit/

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Word: Impersonate

Definition:
The verb "impersonate" means to pretend to be someone else. This can be done for fun, like in a comedy show, or for dishonest reasons, like tricking someone.

Usage Instructions:

• You generally use "impersonate" when talking about acting like someone else, either in a serious or playful manner.
• It can refer to imitating someone's voice, mannerisms, or behavior.

Examples:

1. Comic Intentions: "In the play, she impersonates a famous singer, making everyone laugh with her funny impressions."
2. Fraudulent Intentions: "He was arrested for impersonating a police officer to steal money from people."

Advanced Usage:

• "Impersonate" can also be used in more formal contexts, such as in legal situations where someone might impersonate another person to commit fraud.

Word Variants:

1. Impersonation (noun): The act of impersonating someone.

   • Example: "His impersonation of the president was hilarious."

2. Impersonator (noun): A person who impersonates others.

   • Example: "She is a well-known impersonator who performs at parties."

Different Meanings:

1. Acting vs. Fraud: While "impersonate" often has a playful connotation in entertainment, it can also have a negative meaning when used in the context of deceit or fraud.

Synonyms:

• Imitate
• Mimic
• Pretend
• Act like

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Put on an act": This means to pretend to be something you are not, often used in a similar way to "impersonate."
  • Example: "He really put on an act when he pretended to be a celebrity."

Summary:

"Impersonate" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of pretending to be someone else, whether for entertainment or deceit.

Academic

Verb

1. pretend to be someone you are not; sometimes with fraudulent intentions
   • She posed as the Czar's daughter
2. represent another person with comic intentions
3. assume or act the character of
   • She impersonates Madonna
   • The actor portrays an elderly, lonely man

Synonyms

• pose
• personate
• portray