Definition

1. Verb:

   • To imitate or copy the speech, behavior, or appearance of someone or something, often in order to entertain or ridicule.
   • To resemble closely; to simulate the function or appearance of something else.

2. Noun:

   • A person, especially a performer, who is skilled at imitating others.
   • An animal or plant that exhibits mimicry by resembling another organism for protection or advantage.

3. Adjective:

   • Relating to or constituting an imitation; imitative. (This usage is less common and often formal or technical.)

Usage and Examples

• As a Verb:
  • The comedian can mimic the voices of several famous politicians perfectly.
  • Some insects mimic leaves to hide from predators.
• As a Noun:
  • He is a brilliant mimic; his impression of the teacher is hilarious.
  • The viceroy butterfly is a mimic of the poisonous monarch.
• As an Adjective:
  • The robot's mimic movements were surprisingly lifelike. (Formal/technical)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Mimicry (n.): The act, art, or phenomenon of mimicking. This is the related abstract noun.
  • Batesian mimicry is when a harmless species evolves to resemble a harmful one.
• The verb "mimic" often carries a connotation of close, detailed, and sometimes mocking imitation. It is more specific than the general verb "imitate."
• In biology, "mimic" refers to an organism that has evolved to copy the traits of another.

Variants and Related Words

• Mimicker (n.): Another word for a person who mimics; a synonym for the noun "mimic."
• Mimicry (n.): As above.
• Mimetic (adj.): Pertaining to mimicry or imitation, often used in literary, artistic, or biological contexts.

Synonyms

• Verb: Imitate, copy, ape, impersonate, parody, emulate (when meaning to match or follow a model).
• Noun: Impersonator, imitator, copycat, impressionist.
• Adjective: Imitative, simulated.

Antonyms

• Verb: Originate, create, be original.
• Noun: Original, innovator.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To be a good/bad mimic": To be skilled or unskilled at imitation.
  • She's such a good mimic that she should be on stage.
• While "mimic" itself is not typically part of phrasal verbs, the concept is central to phrases like "ape someone's style" or "parrot someone's words," which are synonyms.

Adjective

1. constituting an imitation
   • the mimic warfare of the opera stage- Archibald Alison

Noun

1. someone who mimics (especially an actor or actress)

Verb

1. imitate (a person or manner), especially for satirical effect
   • The actor mimicked the President very accurately