Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Impersonate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽญ
Add to dictionary

impersonate

[ษชmหˆpษœหsษ™neษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

acting

To impersonate means to pretend to be someone else, usually for entertainment or deception purposes. It involves imitating the mannerisms, speech, or appearance of another person.

Synonyms

imitate, mimic, pretend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
impersonate

This is often used when someone is pretending to be another person, especially in a performance or with the intention to deceive.

  • She can impersonate various celebrities very well.
  • The thief was caught while trying to impersonate a police officer.
imitate

Generally used when someone is copying someone else's behavior, actions, or appearance, usually to learn or for fun.

  • Children often imitate their parents.
  • He tried to imitate his favorite singer's voice.
mimic

This word is typically used when someone is copying another person in a playful or mocking manner.

  • The comedian mimicked the politician's speech.
  • She could mimic his accent perfectly.
pretend

This is usually used when someone is making believe or acting as if something is true when it is not.

  • The children pretended they were pirates.
  • He pretended not to hear her.

Examples of usage

  • He impersonated the famous actor perfectly in the movie.
  • The scammer tried to impersonate a bank employee to steal personal information.

Translations

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

Origin of 'impersonate'

The word 'impersonate' originated from the Latin word 'impersonare', which means 'to invest with a personality'. The concept of impersonation has been used in various forms of entertainment throughout history, such as theatre and literature. It can also have negative connotations when used for deceptive purposes, like identity theft or fraud.

See also: depersonalization, depersonalize, depersonalizing, impersonation, impersonator, nonperson, people, personable, personage, personages, personal, personalities, personality, personalizer, personally, personification, personified, personify, personifying, personnel, persons.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,065 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.