Impersonation: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used when someone is pretending to be another person, often for entertainment, deception, or artistic purposes.

• Her impersonation of the president was spot on.
• The comedian's impersonation of famous celebrities made everyone laugh.

Refers to the action of imitating someone’s behaviors, voice, or actions, often for comedic or training purposes and not necessarily to deceive.

• The child's mimicry of his father's gestures was amusing to watch.
• Actors often practice mimicry to better portray their characters.

Used to describe the act of pretending to be someone else, often directly in the moment and can have negative connotations when referring to illegal or deceitful acts.

• He was caught impersonating a police officer.
• Impersonating someone else on social media can lead to serious consequences.

Often used to indicate deceitful or fraudulent behavior, where someone takes on another's identity for personal gain or to deceive others.

• He was arrested for posing as a financial advisor and scamming people.
• She was posing as someone else to get into the exclusive party.

When you pretend to be another person, usually for entertainment or to deceive.

• He was arrested for impersonation of a police officer
• Her impersonation of the president at the comedy show was spot-on

When you try to make or do something that looks, sounds, or behaves like something else; can refer to copying actions, styles, or products.

• Her singing was an imitation of the original artist
• The handbag is an imitation, not the real designer brand

When someone describes or shows a character or event in a certain way, often used in art, drama, or literature.

• His portrayal of Hamlet was very different from the traditional interpretation
• The movie's portrayal of historical events was criticized for inaccuracies

When someone acts, sings, plays an instrument, or does some artistic or skilled action to entertain an audience.

• Her performance in the play was outstanding
• The band's performance captivated the entire crowd