Impersonating: meaning, definitions and examples

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impersonating

[ɪmˈpɜː(r).sən.eɪ.tɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a negative way

To pretend to be someone else, usually for deceitful or fraudulent purposes. This can involve mimicking their behavior, speech, or appearance in order to deceive others.

Synonyms

imitate, masquerade, pretend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impersonating	This term usually means acting as another person with the intention of entertaining others or deceiving them. It can be neutral or carry a negative connotation, depending on the intention. He was arrested for impersonating a police officer. The actor did a great job impersonating the famous singer.
pretend	This term is used for acting in a way that makes something appear to be true when it is not. Commonly used in children's play or when adults are not being serious. The children pretended to be pirates. She pretended to be happy, but she was quite sad.
masquerade	This word suggests putting on a disguise or taking on a false identity to deceive others. It often implies trickery or a party with masks and costumes. The spy had to masquerade as a diplomat. They attended a masquerade ball for Halloween.
imitate	This word is used when copying someone's actions, speech, or mannerisms, often to learn, play, or entertain. It can be positive or neutral. Children often imitate their parents. The comedian can imitate many famous actors.

Examples of usage

He was arrested for impersonating a police officer.
She was caught impersonating her boss to access confidential information.
The scammer was impersonating a bank employee in order to steal personal information.
Impersonating someone online is a serious offense.
The actor did a great job impersonating the famous politician in the movie.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a positive way

To imitate or mimic someone in a playful or entertaining manner, often for comedic effect or as a form of flattery.

Synonyms

mimic, mock, parody.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impersonating	Used when someone is pretending to be another person, often for deception or entertainment. He got caught impersonating a police officer. She enjoys impersonating famous movie stars during her comedy acts.
mimic	Used when someone is closely copying another person's voice, behavior or gestures, often in a humorous way. The comedian could mimic the president's speech perfectly. Birds can mimic human sounds.
parody	Used when someone creates a humorous imitation of a piece of art, literature, music, or other forms of media. The movie is a parody of old spy films. He performed a parody of the famous speech that had everyone laughing.
mock	Used when someone is copying someone else in a way that makes fun of them; it often has a negative connotation. He got in trouble for mocking his teacher's accent. The kids mockingly repeated everything she said.

Examples of usage

She enjoys impersonating famous celebrities at parties.
The comedian is known for his talent in impersonating various public figures.
He can impersonate famous singers with remarkable accuracy.
Her talent for impersonating cartoon characters entertains kids and adults alike.
Impersonating iconic movie scenes has become a popular trend on social media.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'impersonate' comes from the Latin 'impersonatus,' meaning to act in the character of another.
It was first used in the English language in the late 16th century, often in theatrical contexts.
Over time, the term evolved to cover not just acting but also deceit or mimicry in everyday life.

Pop Culture

Impersonation is a popular theme in comedy, with famous comedians often creating characters based on real people.
Mimicry shows, where artists impersonate celebrities, have captivated audiences and sometimes led to career breakthroughs.
Television shows like 'Saturday Night Live' feature skits based on impersonating politicians and celebrities, blending humor with critique.

Psychology

Impersonation can reveal insights about social identity and how individuals perceive themselves or wish to be perceived.
Some studies suggest that people who impersonate others may exhibit a higher level of empathy due to their understanding of another's perspective.
It can also be a form of escapism, where individuals seek relief from their own identity by adopting another.

Education

Impersonation is used in educational settings for role-playing exercises, helping students practice empathy and communication skills.
Drama classes often include impersonation as a way for students to step into different characters and explore diverse narratives.
Teachers sometimes use impersonation to engage students in historical events, bringing figures to life for better understanding.

Law

In some jurisdictions, impersonating someone else for gain can lead to criminal charges, including fraud.
Laws against impersonation are designed to protect individuals from identity theft and unauthorized use of their personal data.
The rise of social media has raised challenges in addressing impersonation, as it can easily occur online.

Translations

Translations of the word "impersonating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imitar

🇮🇳 नकल करना

🇩🇪 nachahmen

🇮🇩 meniru

🇺🇦 видавати себе за

🇵🇱 udawać

🇯🇵 真似る (まねる)

🇫🇷 imiter

🇪🇸 imitar

🇹🇷 taklit etmek

🇰🇷 흉내내다

🇸🇦 تقليد

🇨🇿 napodobovat

🇸🇰 napodobňovať

🇨🇳 模仿 (mófǎng)

🇸🇮 posnemati

🇮🇸 herma eftir

🇰🇿 еліктеу

🇬🇪 მიბაძვა

🇦🇿 təqlid etmək

🇲🇽 imitar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,619 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31616 stupefaction
31617 uproarious
31618 boorish
31619 impersonating
31620 determinist
31621 canard
31622 sidekick
...