Imitative: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is trying to mimic or replicate another thing, often in a way that lacks originality. This word can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying a lack of creativity.

• Her artwork seemed more imitative of her teacher's style rather than showcasing her own creativity.

Describes the act of imitating someone or something, often in an exaggerated or playful way. While it can be neutral, it often has a slightly humorous or mocking undertone.

• The child enjoyed mimicking the sounds of different animals.
• He was mimicking his friend's accent to make everyone laugh.

Refers to the act of reproducing something exactly. This term is often used in educational or professional settings when someone reproduces another's work without changes. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to plagiarism.

• He was caught copying answers during the test.
• They made a perfect copy of the original document.

Used when someone is trying to match or surpass someone else's achievements or qualities, often seen as a form of admiration and striving for improvement. It usually has a positive connotation.

• She spent years emulating the success of her role models in the industry.
• The new software is designed to emulate the functionalities of the leading products.

This word is used when someone or something tries to imitate or replicate another, often in a creative or artistic context. It can be neutral or positive depending on the intent.

• The artist's style is quite imitative of the classical masters.
• Her imitative skills allowed her to reproduce the painting almost perfectly.

This word has a negative connotation and is used to describe someone who mimics another person’s actions, ideas, or behaviors without originality.

• He is just a copycat, stealing ideas from others without adding anything new.
• The company's new product is seen as a copycat version of its competitor's design.

This word is typically used in a technical or software context, referring to a system or program that mimics the function of another system. It can also mean someone who strives to equal or surpass another person in qualities or achievements, often in a positive sense.

• This old game runs on a modern computer using an emulator.
• As an emulator of his mentor, he worked tirelessly to achieve similar success.

This word is used to describe someone who adheres to the ideas, opinions, or leadership of another person. It often implies a lack of originality but is not necessarily negative.

• He is a loyal follower of the new philosophy, always advocating its principles.
• The social media influencer has thousands of followers who emulate her lifestyle.