Imitator: meaning, definitions and examples

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imitator

[ˈɪmɪˌteɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

talent show

A person who mimics or copies the behavior, speech, or appearance of others, especially for entertainment.

Synonyms

copycat, impersonator, mimic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imitator	Useful for describing someone who copies the behavior, style, or actions of another person, often as a form of flattery or learning. The young artist was an avid imitator of classical painters. He became an imitator of his father's habits.
mimic	Used for someone who closely imitates another's speech, behavior, or actions, often in a humorous or mocking way. The child could mimic his teacher's voice perfectly. She has a talent for mimicking people's accents.
impersonator	Appropriate when referring to someone who mimics the voice, mannerisms, or appearance of another person, usually for entertainment purposes. The comedian is a skilled impersonator of famous celebrities. He worked as an Elvis Presley impersonator in Las Vegas.
copycat	Typically carries a negative connotation. It describes someone who copies another person's work, actions, or ideas directly and lacks originality. The teacher criticized the student for being a copycat and not thinking for themselves. She accused her colleague of being a copycat, always mimicking her designs.

Examples of usage

The imitator impressed the judges with his ability to mimic famous celebrities.
She is known as a skilled imitator, able to mimic a wide range of accents and voices.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

nature

An animal or plant that closely resembles another species in appearance, behavior, or sound, often for camouflage or protection.

Synonyms

copycat, impersonator, mimic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imitator	Someone who copies the behaviors, actions, or style of another person, often with the intention of learning or being inspired. This word is neutral and can be used in both positive and negative contexts. She became a famous artist, initially as an imitator of classic painters. The startup was seen as an imitator of larger technology firms.
mimic	Describes someone who closely imitates the speech, gestures, or behaviors of another, often humorously or for the purpose of mockery. It tends to have a neutral to slightly humorous connotation. The comedian was known for his ability to mimic celebrities perfectly. Children often mimic their parents' sayings and actions.
copycat	Refers to someone who directly copies someone else's work or actions, often in a negative or disapproving manner. It is commonly used to express disapproval or to highlight lack of originality. The new software was just a copycat of the popular application. Kids at school often call each other copycats when they notice repeated behaviors.
impersonator	Used to describe someone who acts or performs in the guise of another person, often for entertainment purposes. This term is usually employed in the context of performances, shows, or acts of amusement. The show featured a famous Elvis impersonator. During the talent contest, a child dressed up as a cowboy and became an excellent impersonator of John Wayne.

Examples of usage

The butterfly imitator evolved to mimic the poisonous species in order to deter predators.
Certain orchids are imitators, resembling female insects to attract pollinators.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'imitator', meaning 'one who copies' or 'mimic'.
It shares roots with words like 'imitate', which has been used in English since the late 14th century.

Psychology

People often imitate others as a way to fit in or avoid social rejection, showing the importance of belonging.
Imitation can be a key factor in learning, especially in young children who mimic adults to acquire new skills.

Pop Culture

Many TV shows feature imitators or impersonators who entertain by mimicking celebrities and iconic characters.
The 'imitator' trope is common in movies where characters disguise themselves to gain an advantage or win over others.

Education

In educational settings, role-playing and imitation are often used in language learning to build communication skills.
Teachers encourage imitation as a tool for students to practice various skills by observing and copying peers.

Art

Imitation has been a traditional method in art where students learn techniques by copying the works of masters.
The concept of 'imitator' also relates to literary styles where authors emulate predecessors to pay homage or critique.

Translations

Translations of the word "imitator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imitador

🇮🇳 अनुकर्ता

🇩🇪 Imitator

🇮🇩 peniru

🇺🇦 імітувальник

🇵🇱 imitator

🇯🇵 模倣者 (もほうしゃ)

🇫🇷 imitateur

🇪🇸 imitador

🇹🇷 taklitçi

🇰🇷 모방자

🇸🇦 مقلد

🇨🇿 napodobitel

🇸🇰 napodobovateľ

🇨🇳 模仿者 (mófǎng zhě)

🇸🇮 posnemovalec

🇮🇸 eftirherma

🇰🇿 еліктеуші

🇬🇪 იმიტატორი

🇦🇿 təqlidçi

🇲🇽 imitador

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,279, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26276 vaccinia
26277 repositioning
26278 strabismus
26279 imitator
26280 chaparral
26281 peristaltic
26282 cavalcade
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