Copycat: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used to describe someone who mimics another person's work, behavior, or ideas without any originality. Often has a negative connotation, implying a lack of creativity.

• She's such a copycat, always copying my homework.
• The new app is just a copycat version of the existing one.

Describes someone who copies the behavior, style, or actions of another person or thing. It can be used neutrally or negatively, depending on the context.

• The artist is often criticized as an imitator who lacks originality.
• Young children are natural imitators; they often copy their parents.

Often used in a technical or professional context to describe software or a device that mimics the functions of another system. Can also refer to a person who aspires to equal or surpass someone else, usually in a more positive sense.

• The software emulator allows you to run old video games on modern computers.
• As an emulator of his mentor, he strives to achieve the same level of success.

Usually refers to someone who imitates another person's actions, speech, or mannerisms, often for comic effect or to make a point. Can also be used neutrally in biology to describe animals that resemble others for survival.

• He can mimic celebrities so well that everyone laughs.
• Certain insects mimic the appearance of leaves to avoid predators.

Typically used to describe someone who supports or admires another person or group, often on social media. It may also refer to someone who adopts the ideas or behaviors of someone they admire. Generally neutral but can imply a lack of independent thinking.

• She has over a million followers on Instagram.
• As a follower of the new wellness trend, he started meditating every morning.

Use this word when referring to someone who mimics the actions, looks, or behavior of another person, often in a negative or childish manner. It can also describe someone who plagiarizes work.

• She called him a copycat for always wearing the same clothes as her.
• Many artists dislike copycats who steal their ideas.

This word is suitable for use when referring to something made to look like or resemble something else, often implying a lack of originality or lower quality. It can also be neutral or negative depending on context.

• That purse is an imitation of a designer brand.
• He bought an imitation leather jacket.

This word is ideal for describing an exact or near-exact reproduction of an original item, typically used in a neutral or even positive way to indicate attention to detail and quality.

• The museum displayed a replica of an ancient artifact.
• He owns a replica of the first car ever made.

Use this term when talking about a product that is made to look like a popular or expensive item but is usually of inferior quality. It has a strong negative connotation, implying deception.

• Be careful when shopping online; there are a lot of knockoffs out there.
• She accidentally bought a knockoff watch instead of the original.