imitate
IH-mih-tayt
Imitate (verb) means to copy the actions, style, or appearance of someone or something. Example: “The comedian imitated the president's voice perfectly.”
verb
1
To copy the actions, style, or appearance of someone or something.
"The comedian imitated the president's voice perfectly."
"Young children learn language partly by imitating the adults around them."
How to use imitate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo copy how someone or something looks, sounds, or behaves.
Common pairings
imitate someone's style
imitate a voice
imitate nature
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- imitates
- Past tense
- imitated
Fill the gap
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The comedian _____ the president's voice perfectly.
Etymology
From Latin imitari, meaning "to copy or portray."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for imitate
See all rhymes for imitate →Frequently asked questions
What does “imitate” mean?
The word “imitate” means to copy the actions, style, or appearance of someone or something. In plain terms, to copy how someone or something looks, sounds, or behaves.
How do you pronounce “imitate”?
“Imitate” is pronounced IH-mih-tayt (/ˈɪmɪteɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “imitate” in a sentence?
Here is “imitate” used in a sentence: “The comedian imitated the president's voice perfectly.”
What is the opposite of “imitate”?
The opposite of “imitate” — its antonyms — are create and innovate.
What part of speech is “imitate”?
“Imitate” is a verb.
Where does the word “imitate” come from?
The word “imitate” comes from Latin. From Latin imitari, meaning "to copy or portray.".
Is “imitate” a common word?
“Imitate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
