imitate
word
/ˈɪməˌteɪt/
/ˈɪmɪtˌeɪt/
Definition
To copy the way someone or something acts, speaks, or looks, often to learn, entertain, or mock.
Usage & Nuances
Used formally and informally. Common collocations: 'imitate someone’s voice', 'imitate actions'. Can be neutral or negative (mocking). 'Mimic' is similar but often more playful or about physical copying.
Spanish: imitarPortuguese (BR): imitarPortuguese (PT): imitarChinese (Simplified): 模仿Chinese (Traditional): 模仿Hindi: नकल करनाArabic: يُقلدBengali: অনুকরণ করা - নকল করাRussian: подражать - имитироватьJapanese: まねる - 模倣するVietnamese: bắt chướcKorean: 흉내내다 - 모방하다Turkish: taklit etmek - taklit yapmakUrdu: نقل کرنا - نقل اتارناIndonesian: meniru
Example Sentences
Children like to imitate animals.
basic
He tried to imitate his teacher's handwriting.
basic
Monkeys sometimes imitate people.
basic
Don’t just imitate my answers—try to think for yourself.
natural
He's so good at voices, he can imitate any celebrity.
natural
Sometimes comedians imitate politicians to make people laugh.
natural