Imitated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imitated

[ˈɪm.ɪ.teɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in art

To imitate means to copy the actions, appearance, or mannerisms of someone or something, especially in order to entertain or ridicule.

Synonyms

copy, emulate, mimic, parody.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imitated	Used when replicating someone's behavior, actions, or style, often in a flattering or respectful manner. The young artist imitated the techniques of the masters She imitated her teacher's way of speaking
copy	Used generally for creating an exact replica of something, whether it be behavior, documents, or items. Can carry a negative connotation if implying a lack of originality. He made a copy of the report for his records This painting is a copy of an original work by Van Gogh
mimic	Used for closely imitating someone or something, sometimes in a playful or mocking way, often involving voice or mannerisms. The comedian could mimic the president's voice perfectly Children often mimic their parents
emulate	Used when aspiring to match or surpass someone or something, often with a sense of admiration and respect. She tried to emulate the success of her older brother Many athletes emulate their heroes
parody	Used to create a humorous or satirical imitation of something, often exaggerating features for comedic effect. The show is a parody of popular television dramas They made a parody of the latest hit movie

Examples of usage

He imitated his favorite actor's voice perfectly.
She imitated the teacher's walk to make her friends laugh.
The comedian imitated the president in his latest sketch.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in behavior

To imitate can also mean to behave like someone or something else in order to fit in or to learn from their actions.

Synonyms

copy, emulate, mirror, model.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imitated	Used when describing the act of copying someone's actions, behavior, or style, often in a way that lacks originality. The young artist imitated the techniques of famous painters. He imitated his friend's gestures during the presentation.
emulate	Used when someone tries to match or surpass a person or achievement, often with admiration and effort. She aspires to emulate her mentor's success in the field. He tries to emulate the work ethic of top athletes.
copy	Refers to making an exact or almost exact reproduction of something, often used in everyday contexts. She needs to copy this document before the meeting. The student copied answers from his classmate.
mirror	Used to describe the act of reflecting or exactly matching something, particularly in appearance or behavior. His actions seemed to mirror his thoughts. The software update is designed to mirror the user’s preferences.
model	Used when creating a representation or example based on an ideal or standard, often for learning or teaching purposes. The teacher used a model to explain the concept. She tried to model her business after successful startups.

Examples of usage

The child imitated his older sibling's mannerisms.
She imitated the way her boss handled difficult situations.
The students imitated the behavior of their favorite athlete.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Imitation is a key part of human development; children learn important skills by mimicking adults.
In psychology, the 'Chameleon Effect' illustrates how people unconsciously imitate the behaviors of others to build rapport.
Studies show that imitation is not just a social behavior but essential for learning and adaptation.

Art & Culture

In the arts, imitation has been seen as a form of flattery and a method for learning craftsmanship.
Many famous artists from the Renaissance era were known for imitating the styles of their predecessors to develop their techniques.
Pop culture humor often revolves around imitation, as seen in comedy routines that parody celebrities.

Technology

In the tech world, software often 'imitates' user behavior to improve user experience through adaptive learning.
Social media influencers frequently imitate trends to gain followers and engagement, showcasing the impact of imitation in digital culture.
Machine learning uses algorithms that can imitate and predict human behavior, enhancing AI's capabilities.

Literature

Many authors, especially in the postmodern era, have embraced imitation in their works as a commentary on originality.
The concept of intertextuality suggests that all texts imitate or reference others, forming a web of connections in literature.
Imitation in literature often leads to parody or satire, critiquing the original works by copying their style or themes.

Origin of 'imitated'

Main points about word origin

The word 'imitated' comes from the Latin 'imitatus', which means 'to copy' or 'to feign'.
In Old French, it evolved to 'imiter', maintaining the meaning of copying or mimicking.
The transition from Latin to modern languages showcases how the concept of imitation has been important for communication.

The word 'imitate' comes from the Latin word 'imitatus', which means 'to copy, imitate'. The concept of imitation has been present in art and behavior since ancient times, with artists and individuals mimicking or emulating others to learn, entertain, or fit in with a group. The ability to imitate is a fundamental aspect of human behavior and has been studied in various fields such as psychology and sociology.

See also: imitating, imitative, imitatively.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,659, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12656 encoded
12657 banded
12658 canning
12659 imitated
12660 nun
12661 overwhelmingly
12662 outrageous
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