Definition

Noun 1. The act of imitating the appearance, voice, or mannerisms of another person, often for entertainment or deception. * This is the core meaning, focusing on the action of copying someone else's characteristics. 2. A representation of a person, especially one that is exaggerated for comic or satirical effect. * This meaning emphasizes the result or performance, often in comedy or parody. 3. (Law/Computing) The criminal or fraudulent act of pretending to be another person. * This is a specific, serious application involving deception for illegal gain or access.

Usage and Examples

• Entertainment Imitation:
  • The comedian's impersonation of the president had the entire audience laughing.
  • She is famous for her spot-on impersonation of several Hollywood celebrities.
• Fraudulent Pretense:
  • He was arrested for impersonation after trying to cash a check using his brother's ID.
  • The scam involved impersonation of a bank official over the phone.
• As a Performance or Act:
  • His impersonation was so convincing, some people thought the real singer was on stage.
  • The film features a brilliant impersonation of a famous historical figure.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Imperfect Impersonation": An imitation that is not entirely accurate or convincing.
  • His attempt was an amusing but imperfect impersonation of his boss.
• In legal contexts, it is often part of compound terms like "identity impersonation" or "criminal impersonation," which are specific offenses.
• In computing and cybersecurity, "impersonation attack" refers to a malicious actor pretending to be a legitimate user or system.

Variants and Related Words

• Impersonate (verb): To pretend to be another person.
  • It is illegal to impersonate a police officer.
• Impersonator (noun): A person who impersonates others, especially as a job or performance.
  • He is a professional celebrity impersonator.

Synonyms

• Imitation: Copying the behavior or speech of another.
• Impression: A performance that imitates a person's mannerisms for comic effect (often lighter than ).
• Personation: A formal synonym, often used in legal contexts.
• Masquerade: A false show or pretense.

Antonyms

• Authenticity: The quality of being genuine or real.
• Sincerity: The absence of pretense or deception.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To do an impersonation of [someone]: To perform an imitation.
  • Can you do an impersonation of your teacher?
• Under the impersonation of: Pretending to be a specific person or role.
  • The thief gained entry under the impersonation of a maintenance worker.

Noun

1. imitating the mannerisms of another person
2. pretending to be another person
3. a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect